Timing of CAP reform questioned

THE timing of the European Commission’s proposals for radical reform of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has been questioned by IBEC’s Food and Drink Federation.

Pat Ivory, FDF assistant director, said further reform of EU policy, which will take place in the coming years, should be in line with the outcome of the next World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks.

Ultimately the approach may weaken the EU negotiating position at the trade talks and consequently give the upper hand to the USA, New Zealand and others, he said.