Farm subsidies top the NFU meeting agenda (From Western Telegraph)

Farm subsidies top the NFU meeting agenda

Controversial farm subsidy reforms will be top of the agenda when the deputy president of the National Farmers Union visits Pembrokeshire on Friday.

Tim Bennetts visit will come the day after the European Commissions announces its review of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Brian Ratcliffe, Pembrokeshire NFU County Chairman, said Fridays meeting would provide a good opportunity for local farmers to voice their views on this important review. Tim Bennetts visit is very timely, coming just the day after this very important announcement on something that will affect every farmer in Pembrokeshire, said Mr Ratcliffe, of Colby Farm, Llawhaden.

Every NFU member should make the effort to attend because it is their chance to air their views on what they want for the future.

The meeting at Agriculture House, Haverfordwest, will start at 8 pm. Another issue likely to be discussed are moves to scrap the over-30-month scheme. Currently, only meat from cattle under 30 months can enter the food chain. The ban on meat from older cattle was imposed following the Governments announcement on the possible link between BSE and vCJD.

Mr Ratcliffe said the scheme had served its purpose. He was hopeful it would be removed soon. Beef production has plummeted since 1996. The Government wants farmers to be extensive but this scheme is forcing us to become intensive, said Mr Ratcliffe.