Agricultural accord looks possible this year

European Union agricultural policy still divides member states, despite ministers being decidedly upbeat about reaching agreement soon. This was clear during informal talks in Slovenia where proposals for agricultural reform were discussed. The aim is a modern and flexible agriculture sector, able to answer supply and demand on the global market.

The Common Agricultural Policy has always been a divisive issue in the EU and there are still big problems, with each member state having its list of demands.

The Netherlands, supported by Denmark and Poland, wants, for example, to be able to produce more milk. However, the French and the Germans are fiercely opposed to the idea, seeking to protect their small-scale dairy farmers in the Alps who fear increasing competition.