EU AGRICULTURE Commissioner Dr Franz Fischler held a successful farm summit at the House of Commons last Friday.

He was there at the invitation of Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh, who had arranged for a group of local farmers to be present.

Miss McIntosh said there was widespread concern at the Government's slow progress in implementing the proposed CAP reforms.

"The Commissioner spoke, and answered many questions on topics of vital importance to agriculture," said Miss McIntosh, shadow environment minister. "He said he believed that reform of the CAP would bring better value for consumers, as well as increased sustainability and efficiency.

"Farmers will receive support to continue particular farming activities, and will benefit from increased freedom."

Dr Fischler recognised the importance of the sugar beet industry to the Vale of York. "He stressed that he was against full liberalisation, which would lead to an end to sugar production in the EU," said Miss McIntosh.

"In response to questioning from a local farmer he said reform was unavoidable, but it was essential 'to be careful to find the right way forward'," she said.

Miss McIntosh added that the Commissioner made it clear that Defra must be run responsibly if future reforms were to be implemented successfully.

"Quite clearly, therefore, things will have to change," she said.

As a result of the visit Miss McIntosh wrote to Margaret Beckett, Defra Secretary of State, asking her to give the earliest details possible of the proposed reforms, particularly on agri-environmental opportunities using rural development funds.

"I am also writing to Commissioner David Byrne on free movement and passports for horses and to Commissioner Margetta Wallstrom on the fact that farmers can no longer bury fallen stock on farmland," she said.