Common Agricultural Policy

Khan · Deputy Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 1092 Location: London

Doesnt the CAP highlight everything wrong with the EU. We as tax payers have to watch 46% of our EU contribution wasted on giving farmers an easy ride. The CAP benefits only 10m people who generate only 1.6% of EU GDP. Its incredible that such an organisation can blow half its money on such a selfish and wasteful policy. With policies like this the EU will never amount to anything, too many states wanting to squeeze other states for their own interests. Tony Blair should have made clear he would veto the new budget if the CAP was not abandoned, isntead his given up part of Britains rebate for a 'review' of the CAP in 2 years time.

Sometimes i feel the policy makers in the EU need shooting.

Bullika · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 4:45 pm Post subject: Re: Common Agricultural Policy

Dhavlos · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 6:46 pm Post subject:

Without the CAP...the Eu would almost never have happened...otherwise the french would not have gone into an organisation with germany in the 50's, especially if nothing significant was gained for them.

Since then, france has not given it up, and fight to keep it, imo, becasue they are selfish and backward-thinking. The french are not 'liberal' enough to abandon it...and the E .Europeans rely on agriculture too much atm. In 10-15 years time, when the E. Europeans have less reliance on agriculture for their GDP (i hope) then France really will be on their own.

I personally do not support the CAP at all.

Khan · Deputy Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 1092 Location: London

The French had joined with Germany before an agricultural policy was introduced, they created the European Coal and Steel Community, the first stage of the EU.

Either way, i cant see any excuse for it. Farmers have been among the most protected people of society by governments. Its time they faced competition like the rest of us. My family has been in clothing manufacturing for years, we had to shut up shop and move production abroad since it became too expensive to produce here. No government subsidized or protected our trade and now it has completely disappeared from Britain.

Bullika · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:15 pm Post subject:

I dont think any french govt or president could let go of their agricultural fund even if they wanted to. it would cause french farmers to riot, another revolution would take place in france.