German urges big CAP changes

13 February 2001



German urges big CAP changes

By FWi staff

RADICAL changes have been proposed to the EU Common Agricultural Policy by the leader of Germanys biggest federal state, reports the Financial Times.

Wolfgang Clement, premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, said the EU must take leave of guaranteed prices for agricultural goods.

He said the future involves direct assistance to farmers based on, among other things, social and ecological criteria and “structural policy instruments”.

Although speaking in his federal premier capacity, Mr Clement is also deputy chairman of the ruling Social Democratic Party.

The FT says his remarks would have been discussed in advance with Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

• Financial Times 13 February, 2001 page 10