EU plans to reform Common Agricultural Policy for farmers

The European Union has announced plans to reform its Common Agricultural Policy.

The controversial scheme which pays billions of pounds in subsidies to farmers across the EU currently favours the biggest farmers and landowners.

At a time when the government in Westminster is slashing public spending, UK ministers argue that the budget for farm subsidies needs to be dramatically cut.

Paying for the CAP costs the average British family of four some £426 (488 euros; $666) a year.

Jeremy Cooke reports.