13/02/2009 - EU controls 'could hit small farms'
The price of staple foods such as chicken, turkey, tomatoes and cucumbers could be pushed up because of tighter pollution controls on small family farms, the National Farmers' Union (NFU) has warned.
The proposals were meant to curb emissions from heavy industry but are now being extended to pig and poultry farmers and crop growers, NFU president Peter Kendall said.
He has taken the campaign against revising the EU's "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive" to Brussels, urging Euro MPs to think again before endorsing the proposals.
The directive is designed to prevent and control emissions in soil, air, water and to limit smells and noises from "installations". It is currently targeted on heavy industries, including pig and poultry producers.
Mr Kendall commented: "Many farmers think that this only affects big intensive producers but if these proposals go through, then many seasonal and small family farms will be included in the future."
He hopes to influence MEPs preparing recommendations on the proposals for a European Parliament vote next month.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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