Letter: Crazy quota system fails farmers

Sir: In response to Tim Edwards (letter, 9 October), proper reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is essential before things can improve.

Initial indications on the reform of the milk regime show that little is likely to change in this crazy system of quotas and fixed prices, and there is real lack of political will within the EU Council of Ministers (of which the British government is a member) to change the system.

It is typical of the CAP that after 30 years in operation - with a current budget of over pounds 40bn annually - farmers such as Mr Edwards are still writing letters like this. I am truly in sympathy with him, but I seriously doubt whether, BSE compensation aside, there is any quick-fix solution.

A mismanaged system has evolved which is neither in the interests of the consumer, the taxpayer, nor even the farmers it was designed to protect.

TERRY WYNN MEP

(Merseyside East and Wigan, Lab)

Chair, European Parliament Land Use and Food Policy Intergroup

Brussels