John McGuinness
Question:171 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has received a submission from a group (details supplied); and if so, his views on the issues raised. [18049/03]
Written Answers. - Farm Retirement Scheme.
The person named has sent me a copy of a document in relation to the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy and its potential implications for participants in the scheme of early retirement from farming, which was produced by the group referred to.
Over recent months a number of working groups, made up of officials from member states, have been examining the proposals for CAP reform. My Department has pointed out the potential implications both for farmers who have already retired under the early retirement schemes, and for the younger farmers who have taken over their holdings. I have also raised the matter at the Council of Ministers where the CAP reform negotiations are at an advanced stage.