MLC blasts Blair for revving up speed of EU farm reform

Farmers and the Meat & Livestock Commission (MLC) have criticised prime minister Tony Blair's call for further reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), which would see lower subsidies for meat producers.

"Our livestock farmers are proud, hardworking people who want to run profitable business and are not looking for handouts," said MLC chairman Peter Barr. "But they do need time to adjust. Sending the wrong signals on CAP reform and world trade talks will undermine our ability to deliver a sustainable agenda."

The processing sector has welcomed the prospect of a more market-driven system within the European Union (EU). Gerry Finley, the new president of the British Meat Processors Association and md of Tulip (UK), admired Blair's boldness. He added: "He has grasped the proverbial nettle."

While accepting it would be difficult to reach political agreement on further reform, Finley said the timing was "opportune" in view of the UK presidency of the EU. "I would like to see change. Any artificial interference in the market is not sustainable. I would like to see market forces play their role."

Food minister Lord Bach said: "The 2003 CAP reforms were by any standards a major advance to which we are fully committed. However, we have always said that we want to see the EU agricultural budget decline in the longer term. We want to see an increasing emphasis and more dialogue with partners on rural development activities and less on production-linked support."

Margaret Beckett, the environment, food and rural affairs secretary, said further change would be inevitable but gradual. It would produce "a stronger, more sustainable and successful farming industry" and she praised farmers for their "flexibility and innovation"