麻豆约拍

After months of leaked documents, the official announcement of the Common Agricultural Policy Reform is made in Brussels. The CAP absorbs 42% of the EU budget, and Charlotte Smith asks what UK farmers will have to change to qualify for their subsidy. Initial responses to the 600 page document have been mixed. Amongst the proposals are an increased payment for farmers under the age of 40 coming into the industry. A third of the main payment received by farmers will be linked to carrying out compulsory environmental work on their land. Roger Waite, a spokesperson for the EU Agriculture Commissioner explains the plans to Anna Hill. Peter Kendal, the President of the National Farmers Union says he is disappointed by the plans, whilst UK Agriculture Minister Jim Paice claims the changes are a backward step for the industry.

Presenter: Charlotte Smith; Producer: Angela Frain.