UKIP Eastern Counties
If the CAP Doesn't Fit, Take it Off!
Thursday, 15th July 2010
Stuart Agnew MEP
In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Norfolk farmer and UKIP MEP, Stuart Agnew today (8.7.10) suggested that plans for the future of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are likely to "hinder" farmers rather than help them.
Speaking during a debate on a report about the future of the CAP, Mr Agnew pointed out that the plans would divert money away from working farmers and accused the EU of being obsessed with climate change, leading to nonsensical CO2 reduction measures being proposed. "The report's obsession with climate change could lead to the acceptance of advice that obliges arable farmers to pump tractor exhaust under the ground, increasing fuel consumption and spoiling seed beds as a consequence."
Commenting after the debate, Mr Agnew said:"There is no good reason to have the CAP, but if we are compelled to have it, let its focus be on supporting farmers, not on politically correct, pseudo-scientific scares.
"Injecting tractor exhaust fumes underground, and changing ruminant livestock feed to reduce methane emissions will only hinder farmers. At a difficult time for farming, the EU is seeking to increase farming costs, while the likely effect will be to reduce crop yields.
"If the CAP fits, we should wear it. The corollary is that if the CAP doesn't fit, we should take it off!"
