Rural guru debates CAP reform

Posted 19 March 2010

Watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Harper Adams this week played host to a Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform presentation from special guest Allan Buckwell, Policy Director at the Country Land and Business Association.

He told farmers and landowners visiting the University College that payments under the CAP are best defended by linking food security with environmental security.

Mr Buckwell said: "We realise that farmers first and foremost produce food, but food production relies on the environment, and there are environmental factors which will put the future of agriculture into question.

"We must still argue the case for food security, but not for income support, as this invites payment capping. We need to continue to promote the need for a stronger CAP to European opinion formers by making the case that food and environmental security are inextricable linked."

For further highlights, see the video.