While the budget is primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance, I have received submissions from farm bodies outlining their views on taxation matters relating to the sector. I am in regular contact with farm bodies and my officials discuss various proposals with representatives from the sector. Given the current budgetary constraints it is important to ensure that the tax system encourages practices that will develop the sector and allow farmers to continue providing excellent quality food in a challenging production climate.
As regards the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, while I have yet to receive formal submissions, I have a Consultative Committee in place, composed of the key stakeholders and a number of academics, to advise me on an ongoing basis during the negotiations. This committee met most recently on 26 October and provided a first reaction to the formal legal proposals for the future CAP. My intention is that this committee will continue to meet, review developments and provide advice as the negotiations progress.
There is also a consultative committee in place on the WTO Doha Development Round. However, the reality is that the WTO negotiations are stalled currently and the prospects for an early conclusion of the round are very uncertain.
