§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to amend those rules and policies designed to promote disintensification which creates difficulties, with special reference to the viability of the holding, for(a) small full-time farmers and (b) entrants to farming. [11849]
§ Mr. BaldryIn its 1992 reform of the common agricultural policy regime for beef, the Council of Agriculture Ministers recognised that the imposition of stocking density limits for subsidy purposes and the promotion of extensive production would help to eliminate surplus production within the Community. The Council subsequently recognised that intensive systems for both beef and sheep could give rise to environmental damage, and empowered member states to reduce livestock subsidies and impose penalties in such cases. The Government are willing to consider any constructive proposal to amend the rules governing these measures, provided that they are cost-effective, negotiable in EU terms, and that the environmental benefits are maintained.