Barnier defends EU policy

LEADING the defence of the EU’s agriculture policy has been French Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier, saying Europe must remain a global farming force by sticking to its position in WTO trade negotiations, and helping poor countries more.

But he has met opposition even within the EU, especially from Britain, which wants to cut the EU’s farm and food budget.

France is the biggest recipient of EU farm aid, and has led the battle in recent years against calls to cut agriculture subsidies, from other member states and from countries such as the US, Australia and Brazil.