Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 24 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 June 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 7 June 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is on a reduction in subsidy level for meat production; when she will reply to the question tabled by the honourable Member for Portsmouth South on 24th March, reference 164226, on subsidy levels.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her policy is on a reduction in subsidy level for meat production; [164226] (2) when she will reply to the question tabled by the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South on 24 March, reference 164226, on subsidy levels. [175877] Alun Michael: The CAP reform agreement decouples the bulk of subsidy from production, freeing up farmers to realign their businesses to meet market demands, not what subsidy regimes dictate. Breaking the link between subsidy and production also removes an incentive for farmers to maximise production and so reduces environmental damage from intensive farming such as over-use of pesticides and fertilizers. Through cross-compliance obligations, the agreement also makes subsidy dependent on farmers meeting certain EU environmental, food safety, plant and animal health and animal welfare standards as well as maintaining their land in good agricultural and environmental condition. More subsidy will also be diverted from production to wider rural development and environmental initiatives which farmers undertake.

Secondary information