Walsh leads battle against Fischler reform proposals

AGRICULTURE Minister Joe Walsh took a lead role in last Monday’s EU Farm Council at the head of the self-styled Friends of Farming anti-CAP reform grouping.

Ministers from France, Spain and Italy echoed his concerns after he blasted decoupling and warned of depopulation of livestock herds.

Backing him, France's Herve Gaymard said, "We have to be aware of the disastrous consequences decoupling would have on our outermost regions. I regret the Commission is sticking to its original proposals".