Fischler plan ‘will not pay farmers to do nothing’

THE European Union has made it clear that it will not be paying farmers to do nothing under a reformed Common Agricultural Policy.

Farm Commissioner Dr Franz Fischler described as “completely unfounded” criticism that farmers would stop producing and be paid to sit idle under the proposed reforms.

He also said studies had concluded that decoupling aid from production would not lead to farmers leaving the industry as some fear, but would boost incomes overall. “We want to help farmers resume their role as businessmen. We want farmers to be suitably rewarded for all the services they perform for society.