April 15, 2008

France to boost EU agriculture output amidst record prices

France launched a drive on Monday to boost EU's agriculture output in the face of soaring prices worldwide.

France agriculture minister Michel Barnier said that Europe has to remain strong in the midst of pressure to cut the bloc's huge farm spending budget.

France, the biggest recipient of EU farm hand-outs, has advocated against calls to cut the EU's generous agriculture subsidies.

Barnier recommended for EU to refocus its development aid on the agriculture sector in poor countries. He explained the need to combine expertise and cooperation with the poorest countries to help reconstruct the production capacity of such countries.