FARMERS have been urged to gear up for the European elections on June 4.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) says the elections are important because of the European Parliament’s influence over agriculture.

In coming months it is due to take a number of key decisions on everything from controversial sheep tagging – which could cost British farmers £65m – to pollution control and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

The four UK farming unions have launched a joint manifesto which argues for a scientific approach to decision making and better regulation from rigorous impact assessments.

It also calls for proactive support for “country of origin” labelling and a grocery supply chain code of practice.

The manifesto also wants MEPs to ensure the CAP is truly “common” across the EU – with the review of Less Favoured Areas, it argues that only those facing legitimate handicaps to agricultural production should be designated.

Richard Ellison, North- East NFU director, said with only a 38 per cent turnout at the last elections, it was clear the public was unconvinced about its importance.

“However, the farming industry cannot afford to take that view,” he said, “What we need is a team of MEPs in Brussels that understands our businesses and how we might be affected by decisions they will be asked to make.”

The NFU has organised two husting meetings. They are at Kirkley Hall College, Ponteland, on May 27, and at York NFU regional office, on May 28. Both start at 7.30pm.