Brian Simpson MEP, Labour's spokesperson on agriculture policy, stressed: "Labour MEPs would like to see a reduction in the amount of money paid to farmers as a subsidy. The EU's agricultural policy has to move away from protectionism and market-distorting subsidies."
He continued: "The EU must respond to the needs of the consumer, with more focus on protecting and enhancing our rural environment and supporting farmers in producing food that is safe and of high quality."
Labour MEPs want more money to go to rural development. The EU's agricultural policy should be geared towards meeting the social and economic challenges facing rural communities, and about meeting the concerns of the public at large, with an emphasis on environmental protection.
Farming diversification including organic farming and the protection of rare breeds can play an important role in delivering sustainable environmental benefits throughout our rural areas and more money should be channelled into these areas.
Labour MEPs are committed to opening up EU agricultural trade with developing countries, allowing them to have fairer access to European markets. Any changes to the agricultural policy should correct the market-distorting nature of the current system.
Brian Simpson MEP stated: "What we should be aiming for are further changes to the CAP to take into account the impact that European agricultural policy has on developing countries. We should be supporting efficient and sustainable farming within the EU whilst ensuring that developing countries can also trade with us."
For a long time, EU protectionist policies have had a negative impact on some of the poorest countries in the world, restricting their access to the European market and resulting in subsidised competition in their own domestic markets.
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
