Farmers used to grow food, raise livestock...

Friday, 19th November 2010

UKIP Agriculture Spokesman Stuart Agnew MEP has warned that the EU obsession with climate change could force up food production costs "at the worst possible time".

Responding to the latest EU attempt to reform agricultural payments, Mr Agnew said: "The words 'climate change' have been included in the Commissioners' report. Farmers and the public should be aware that because of the EU's pointless quest to try and change the weather, the agricultural sector may be required to indulge in expensive and unnecessary activities forcing up food production costs at the worst possible time".

He went on: "Just as the general public at large is waking up to the whole global warming scam, the EU is using it as reason to legislate and regulate as never before. I am also concerned at the increasing complexity of the payment system and the likelihood that many pillar 2 programmes will continue be bad value for money, if not a total waste."

All three policy proposals suggested by the Commission have chasing climate change as the key objective. Either:
A) "increasing funding for meeting the challenges related to climate change, water, biodiversity and renewable energy, and innovation".
B) "Adjust and complement existing instruments to be better aligned with EU priorities, with support focused on environment, climate change and/or restructuring and innovation, and to enhance regional/local initiatives." or
C) "The measures would be mainly focused on climate change and environment aspects"

Mr Agnew continued: "British farmers and taxpayers should also be aware of the relentless pressure from the newer member states to get an increasing share of the CAP budget, reducing pro rata the cash coming back to the UK."

You can read the full European Commission statement here.