As an Australian who has seen our farmers locked out of the European markets through the Common Agricultural Policy it is difficult to understand why Europe continues with protection of this industry. The latest reform includes handing out €435bn of taxpayers' money over the next 10 years. This is during a time when many other Europeans can not find work. The CAP is the EU's single largest expense, making up nearly half of the EU budget (38.5% now, but down from 72% in 1985).
Whilst the protection for farmers is what the EU desires, it neglects the impact this will have on every other industry.
The Guardian Report
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Whilst most of the motives for this can only be condemned I assume that they are the same as the ones that protect Australian farmers from cheaper overseas producers under the guise of 'quarantine' regulations.
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