European Parliament backs CAP reform

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 8th Jul 2010

Graham Watson MEP with local farmer and 2009 Lib Dem European Parliamentary candidate Kay Barnard

The European Parliament has backed a report by a UK Lib Dem MEP that calls for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to make it fairer, greener and more sustainable.

The report identifies a key challenge involving the near doubling of food demand by 2050 against a backdrop of less land, less water and major cuts in energy use because of climate change.

South West MEP Graham Watson commented;

"Agricultural policy must support farmers who produce to the highest standards and help us meet the challenges of the 21st century. Farmers can benefit from "green" opportunities, and the CAP must help them do this.

Watson also commented on the value of the CAP;

"When public finances are so tight, the CAP must provide good value for money to the taxpayer and be productive for society as a whole. These recommendations show a positive way forward beneficial to everyone, and Lib Dems will continue the fight to see CAP reformed in a fair way."