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21/02/2006
Conservative MEP to fight farm payment cuts

Conservative MEP for Wales Jonathan Evans has criticised plans by the UK Government to cut vital rural aid programmes which will lead to Welsh farmers being disadvantaged.

Speaking at a Farmers Union of Wales meeting last night, he explained that at last December's European Council, the UK Government proposed that EU Member States should be free to slash up to 20 per cent from Single Farm Payments to help fund Rural Development Programmes. The European Parliament will vote on the proposal in May.

The Rural Development Programme helps to fund projects including environmental schemes and support for Less Favoured Areas such as the upland areas of Wales.

Some 60 farmers listened to Mr Evans say how many other MEPs from across the political spectrum share the Conservatives' view that such an agreement would mean that some Governments would slash payments to farmers to redress the underfunding of the RDP. The RDP budget 2007 – 2013 already looks set to be 35 per cent lower than the 2000 – 2006 budget.

"The UK is likely to be the only member state to cut payments to farmers to fund the RDP – putting UK farmers at a massive disadvantage," said Mr Evans.

"There would also be no commitment to match-fund the modulated funds, and no rules on how this money should be spent. This would result in unfair competition within what is supposed to be a single economic market. Conservative MEPs will fight any move to bring in these cuts to farmers' direct payments."

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