European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, speaking in Ireland on 20 April, acknowledged that the budget of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was a “target for cuts” in the debate on the EU’s next multiannual financial framework (MFF) (see EUROPE 12006).
He made clear his determination to defend what had been gained through this policy and stated that his top priority in the ongoing EU budget negotiation is “protecting the small and medium sized farmer who remains the backbone...