Conference over CAP reveals gulf

A Europe-wide discussion on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy made clear there were huge differences to be reconciled, the NFU said in the wake of the two-day conference.

It was called by the European commissioner for agriculture and rural affairs, Dacian Ciolos of Rumania, who is due to produce a discussion paper in November to kick off hard negotiations.

The NFU's delegate, Tom Hind, head of economics and international affairs, said: "We heard a lot about the social role of agriculture and how the sector needs to do more to deliver public environmental goods.

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"These are important issues but there appeared precious little recognition that farming is first and foremost an economic sector that wants to prosper in the market place.

"The Commissioner faces a massive challenge in reconciling the differences of opinion across the EU."

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