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		CAP reform: French win concessions again Thursday 26 June 2003 Agriculture Ministers from across Europe have caved in to pressure from the French allowing them major concessions over the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Ministers have missed the chance to implement compulsory de-coupling. Individual Member States can choose to continue production subsidies in some areas, including the beef and sheep sector, which will encourage over-production and distort the market. They have also delayed the start date of reform from 2005 to 2007. Speaking from the European Parliament in Brussels, East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer, said: "Yet again, it appears that French strong-arm tactics have won the day. After vetoing any agreement last week, they have managed to severely weaken the overall reforms. By allowing Member States to opt out of decoupling, the EU has missed the opportunity to end the costly, bureaucratic system of subsidies which has led to the over-production of certain goods for profit. The new reforms will not save the taxpayer a single penny. East Midlands farmers must have the chance to grow what the customer wants, not what pays the biggest subsidy. The British Government must implement the decoupled payment system. This will end the bureaucratic nightmare of form filling and red tape for Britain's farmers, and encourage them to get closer to the market place."