Agriculture and EU enlargement

This report is in three sections. The first part looks at the impact accession is likely to have on agriculture in the New Member States. The second part looks at the possible impact of EU enlargement on UK agriculture. The final part of the report explores other issues, such as changes to EU decision making, further CAP reform and the burden on the EU budget. The report concludes that structural fragmentation and the lack of capital investment mean that the new Member States are not in a position to undermine EU agricultural markets. With regard to the UK, the opinion of the Committee is that enlargement is more of a challenge than a threat, especially if the Government does more to help promote UK food exports and investments.

United Kingdom, House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee: 17th Report (2003-04)HC 421 http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmselect/cmenvfru/421/421.pdf

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