South West to debate European agriculture rules

1.33.00pm GMT Tue 2nd Mar 2010

The South West will have an opportunity to voice its opinions on the future of Europe's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) on Friday (5 March), at a special event being held at Bicton College in East Devon.

The all-day conference- entitled "Beyond 2013: The CAP and the South West"- is being organised by the South West Chamber of Rural Enterprise. It will allow stakeholders to give their opinions directly to European Commission officials.

Local Lib Dem Euro-MP Graham Watson who will be speaking at the event, said;

"Lively discussion on new farming rules for 2013 onwards has already broken out in Europe. It is so important, for agriculture and the environment, that we get these rules right.

"That is why I hope we in the South West will take opportunities like these to give our views and shape our future."