Walsh takes aim at CAP reforms as battle begins

THE opening shots in what promises to be a long and tough battle for farmers were fired in Brussels yesterday with Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh saying no to reforming the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

The Irish and French came out most vehemently against the changes proposed by Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler, with Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Greece not as strong in their opposition.

IFA President John Dillon said Mr Walsh will need a lot of stamina to fight and win this battle on behalf of Irish farmers.