Farm ministers to examine small print of environmental reform

Date: 18/09/1997

By Michael Mann

FARM ministers will next week set out their visions of how the Common Agricultural Policy can be 'greened'. But fine words will hide deep divisions on even this most noble of objectives.

As the battle lines are drawn over the Commission's reform plans outlined in the Agenda 2000 report, Luxembourg Minister Fernand Boden has asked his colleagues to concentrate on some as yet imprecise sections of the paper when they meet in Brussels next Monday (22 September).

“The plans are very thin on detail of exactly what Fischler wants on environment and rural policy. Next week's session should give us more scope for genuine clarification, rather than political posturing. Crucially, it will also give us an opportunity for real input,” said a member state official.

But most admit that serious negotiations can only begin once solid legislative proposals are on the table, which will not happen until January at the earliest.

Governments agree in principle that everything possible should be done to help the environment. But some - notably Germany - are unhappy that existing 'agri-environmental' and rural funds are being lumped together within the CAP budget, fearing this will mean less money for pure market support and compensation.

France, always a major influence in CAP policy-making, is keeping its powder dry until it has consulted its farming unions.

Economic liberals and the 'greener' governments welcome the general approach but point out that, as things stand, there will be no extra money for environmental measures.

“We want a greater role for payments within the CAP for non-production objectives, such as environmental or economic development measures. That is the way the CAP ought to go and is much more compatible with the World Trade Organisation,” said a British official.

The great imponderable is the attitude of the Union's southern member states, which have so far made little use of the agri-environmental schemes on offer.

Ministers are due to finalise a report on the Agenda 2000 proposals in time for this December's summit.