EU farm ministers to debate proposed CAP reform
It will kick-start months of tough negotiations as member states try to reconcile deep-seated differences over the European Commission plan, which proposes to break the historic link between subsidies and production. Most of the agri-sector in Ireland is opposed to the plan, fearing it will damage the industry, especially beef and dairying, reduce farm incomes and cause job losses. IFA, ICMSA, Macra na Feirme, the Irish Meat Association and the co-ops umbrella body, ICOS, have all criticised the package.
However, the proposals have been welcomed by the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, which claims it offers the prospect of increased income for cattle and sheep farmers.
EU farm ministers are split between those staunchly against the scale of reform envisaged and those keen to agree sweeping changes before ten new member states join the union in 2004.
Strong opposition to CAP reform is expected from France, backed by at least five other countries including Ireland, Spain and Portugal, but the EU’s pro-reform camp broadly welcomed the revised plans, with the farm ministers of Germany and Britain saying the proposals were on the right track.
EU Commissioner Dr Franz Fischler will present the proposals to the Farm Council this afternoon A debate gets underway in Ireland with North Cork County IFA starting it off with a public seminar in Mallow tonight.
