The Agenda 2000 reforms of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy appear to be having an effect, with the European Commission announcing that it is likely to spend €930m less than expected in its 2001 budget.

Brussels has said that it expects big saving to be made in market supports for arable crops (€335m), sugar (€105m), fruit and vegetables (4130m), dairy (€399m) and sheepmeat (€174m) below budgets previously earmarked for these farming sectors.

By contrast, appropriations will have to be increased for olive oil plus €89m), fibre plants (€97m) and beef (€82m).

The savings have come because of an estimated drop in export refunds and the stabilisation of many sectors, allowing public stocks to be reduced.

By Keith Nuthall

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

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