§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total amount of money paid under the Common Agricultural Policy to farmers in the UK in the last financial year; and what percentage of this money was paid to organic farmers. [127018]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 20 June 2000]Forecast UK and EU expenditure under the CAP and on national grants and subsidies for 1999–2000 was £3,172 million. Most but not all of this sum will be transferred to the farming industry. The farming industry also benefits from higher food prices as a result of the CAP, which are paid for by consumers.
£11.35 million was spent under the Organic Aid Scheme in 1999–2000. However, organic farmers may also benefit from other aid under the CAP, including the following direct aid premium schemes:
Suckler Cow Premium;Beef Special Premium;Sheep Annual Premium;Extensification Premium;Arable Area Payments.