The British government is set to back down on its demands for a radical overhaul of Europe's Common Agricultural policy, according to reports today.

Forum Response: Countryside Alliance

Richard Burge, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "There can be no doubt that CAP is in need of radical reform. Not only is it unsustainable, it is doing UK farming a disservice by alienating farmers from market forces and consumer demand.

"It is no longer delivering what society wants and it is running counter to the determination to expand the EU, and to create fairer international markets, where local trade can flourish.

"The government must not give up on CAP reform. We are all part of Europe and the UK government should mount a large and persistent campaign to promote its message directly to rural communities across the EU.

"Decoupling is central and critical to this reform. Any proposals to abandon this, and continue with production-based subsidies are wrong - not least for the negative effect it would have on the environment.

"Furthermore, abandoning reform would not benefit Europe's producers, consumers or taxpayers in the long-term, and it would have serious consequences for producers in developing countries.

"Political and budgetary concerns must not be allowed to cloud the real issues. The government must maintain a strong and clear position in favour of reform. That reform must be radical, whilst in the interests of UK farmers and their livelihoods."