The European Commission has recommended radical reform of the Common Agriculture Policy and an end to farm subsidies which encourage over-production as well as the dumping of surpluses on the world market (at below cost price)... both actions which make it difficult for farmers in poor countries to compete on price, earn a living or be economically self-sufficient.

The CAP also accounts for almost 50% of the EU's budget even though agriculture only employs 5% of the EU's population!

For further information see Wyn Grant's hugely informative Common Agriculture Policy page, which offers the following quotes:

"The latest OECD figures show that $338 billion was spent around the world on farm subsidies in 2002" (This equals approx. $1 billion per day!)

"As ever, the next stage in the CAP's evolution will be based on what is politically achievable as much as on what is objectively desirable or economically rational."

Also worth a look...

The homepage of Franz Fischler (The Member of the European Commission responsible for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries)...

A summary of Franz Fischler's Agenda 2000 proposals for agricultural reform...

Some interesting figures on the subsidies received by wealthy English farmers which have been produced by Action Aid.

and last-but-not-least...

Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign.