Chairperson: James Elles
Vice-Chairman EPP-ED Group, Chairman Working Group C


1. Hans-Gert Poettering
Chairman of the Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats

Welcoming speech


2. Demands on the Agricultural Policy from a scientific point of view

2.1 Alan Swinbank, (University of Reading/UK)

The CAP reform and the liberalisation of agricultural commodity markets.

2.2 Eric Thebault (Chargé de mission agriculture pour la Région de Rhônes Alpes)

The CAP reform and the development of rural zones.


3. The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) within the framework of the Agenda 2000.


Franz Fischler, Member of the Commission

The CAP in view of the mid-term review of the Agenda 2000 including preparations for the WTO millennium round.


4. Round table discussion


5. Conclusions - James Elles