A Bond Scheme for Common Agricultural Policy Reform – University of Reading
23 September 2004
Academics at The University of Reading have produced a timely new book that provides a detailed study of the feasibility and acceptability of using a 'bond scheme' to bring about change to the EU's Common Agricultural policy. 'A Bond Scheme for Common Agricultural Policy Reform', edited by Alan Swinbank and Richard Tranter of the University's Centre for Agricultural Strategy, demystifies the bond scheme proposal and explores concerns expressed by farmers and policy makers. "The Common Agricultural Policy is at an impasse," said Mr Tranter. "However, a 'bond scheme', as part of a reform that pays more attention to society's aspirations for the environment and rural development, offers a way forward." The bond scheme would be a way of providing relief to farm businesses experiencing reductions in income support as part of CAP reform. Farmers would be issued with bonds on which the EU would make annual payments for several years. The bonds would be transferable and could be sold. The practicalities of such a scheme are assessed in the new book, which fills a major gap in existing literature. It is based upon a substantial survey of farmers' intentions in Germany, Portugal and the UK, and is written by economists, a political scientist and a practising politician. As such it offers rare insights into EU farm policy. 'A Bond Scheme for Common Agricultural Policy Reform', edited by Alan Swinbank and Richard Tranter, is published by CABI Publishing and costs £40 (US$75). End Notes for editors -Professor Alan Swinbank is the Director of the University's Centre for Agricultural Strategy. Richard Tranter is the Deputy Director. The Centre aims to provide independent and continuing assessments of developments in the agricultural and food industries and the countryside; its fieldwork extends over a wide range of major food chain and environmental issues in the UK, the European Community and worldwide. -'A Bond Scheme for Common Agricultural Policy Reform' was partly based upon a study funded by a research grant from the European Commission under the 5th Framework Programme. -For media enquiries and to arrange interviews with the book's editors, please contact Craig Hillsley, the University's press officer. Tel: 0118 378 7388 Email: c.hillsley@rdg.ac.uk