European Union Farm Ministers have begun crucial talks in Brussels on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. Earlier today there were violent clashed between some of the 30,000 farmers from across Europe who had converged on the Belgian capital to protest at the planned cuts in farm supports. Police in riot gear and armed with tear-gas fired water cannons at the demonstrators. Part of the Belgian capital was cordoned off by police ahead of this afternoon's talks. Around 5,000 Belgian police mobilised for the demonstration, which was timed to coincide with the start of the talks.
The Taoiseach has predicted a month of tough negotiations over the reform of the European Agricultural Policy. In Dublin this lunchtime, Bertie Ahern said Ireland will be looking for an equitable solution given farming's pivotal role in the economy. The European Commission has proposed a radical shake-up of farm policy, including reductions of up to 30 per cent in the guaranteed prices for dairy products, beef and cereals.
Irish farmers were among the 30,000 European farmers marching in Brussels today. Tom Parlon, president of the Irish Farmers' Association said that Irish farmers were taking part in protests to guarantee their future survival.
