27 June 2003 PR123/2003
EU Farm Reforms Positive Step

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) President Tom Lambie has welcomed the European Union's (EU) announced reforms of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

"While the EU has made positive progress on agricultural subsidies, it is important that they now achieve similar reforms in the areas of export subsidies and market access to ensure a positive outcome for WTO talks in Cancun later this year, said Mr Lambie.

"CAP reform is a positive development, but this is just the first step on a long journey. The reform process has been very slow to date, and will continue to be so.

"It is therefore vital that this step is followed by continued efforts to achieve the longer-term WTO goals of substantial improvements in market access, the phasing out of export subsidies and reductions in domestic support.

"It is only when meaningful progress is made in these three areas that farmers in New Zealand and world-wide will realise lasting benefits and a sustainable future as food producers."

ENDS

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