
Barry Cowen is the lead negotiator.
Farmers deserve less red tape when it comes to accessing EU funding.
That's the view of Midlands MEP Barry Cowen ahead of a major vote on the Common Agriculture Policy next week.
He's the lead negotiator for the Renew Europe Group on the report by the European Parliament defending the current CAP system.
Mr Cowen says he says it sends a clear message to the EU:
Midlands Northwest MEP Maria Walsh believes a departure from the 'two pillar' model of funding could undermine the entire European economy.
She says farmers must be funded alongside a separate stream for rural development: