Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 July 2003

Common Agricultural Policy: Statements.

 

The first major CAP reform for over a decade promises to reconstitute the basis on which the system has operated since it was established in 1958. Instead of being guaranteed an outlet for everything they produce, farmers will be expected to adapt to market demands giving rise to arguments that the CAP reforms are driven by the world trade agenda. While the entry of ten new members, many with large and inefficient farming sectors, may be the official reason for the reforms, there have also been demands for change from European consumers who are upset by food safety scares and increasing concerns about the Common Agricultural Policy's impact on the rural environment. Mounting pressure from other World Trade Organisation members has been at least as important.

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