Govt to fight to keep farm grants

Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh has said the Government will take a cautious approach to the reforms proposed in the mid-term review of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy.

The proposals are expected to lead to tough negotiations between member states, beginning on Monday.

Mr Walsh said he will fight to maintain the current level of subsidies and grants available to Irish farmers.

"We will be insisting on protecting the benefits of Agenda 2000," he said.

"We will be in alliance with the French in particular and some other member states who have a similar type of farming to ourselves and we’ll be making the point that we’re embarking on Agenda 2000, which has a six-year programme up to the end of 2006, and that farmers are entitled to a period of stability."