David Stanton
Question:53 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the future of the sugar beet industry in view of the WTO talks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24557/04]
View answerWednesday, 13 October 2004
Questions (53)
Written answers
Reform of the EU sugar regime has come high on the EU agenda because of developments at WTO level, other international pressures and having regard to the significant reforms already agreed for other CAP sectors in 2003 and 2004. Legislative proposals for reform have not yet been put forward. However, the EU Commission outlined its broad proposals for reform of the regime in a communication to the Council and the European Parliament last July.
At that time it was made clear that the proposals would have serious repercussions for the Irish industry at both growing and processing level and, therefore, that they were not acceptable in their current form. The Commissions proposals are expected to be discussed further at the Council of Agriculture Ministers next month. It will be my objective to protect the viability of sugar beet growing and processing in this country.