Me and My M.E.P. Farming and Neonicotinoids.

I signed this petition, https://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1726&ea.campaign.id=19228 about EU Agriculture Policy yesterday and received a reply from my MEP, Bill Newton-Dunn.  His e-mail and responses are below (oldest at the bottom).

-----Original Message-----
From: NEWTON DUNN Bill [mailto:bill.newtondunn@europarl.europa.eu]
Sent: 11 March 2013 19:32
To: biffvernon
Subject: RE: Please vote for a farming policy that protects and restores nature

Thanks.

There are, I believe, over a hundred different amendments to be voted on Wednesday. I have not yet been through them. (There are no whips to bully us, and we make up our own minds). So, all I can say is that I am "in principle" with you. I will send you an email on Thursday so you can see how it all went.

Bill

From: biffvernon
Sent: 11 March 2013 19:30
To: NEWTON DUNN Bill
Subject: RE: Please vote for a farming policy that protects and restores nature

Dear Mr Newton-Dunn,

Thanks for your swift reply.

When you say you are with me 'in principle' does that mean you will vote in the way the petition requested?

What is your position in regard to the restriction of the use of neonicotinoid insecticides?  Can I take it that, since you are 'in principle' supportive of organic farming (point 4 in the petition) you will support the proposed EU restriction?

Regards

Biff Vernon

-----Original Message-----
From: NEWTON DUNN Bill [mailto:bill.newtondunn@europarl.europa.eu]
Sent: 11 March 2013 17:37
To: biffvernon
Subject: Re: Please vote for a farming policy that protects and restores nature

Thanks for the email, Biff. 

I am with you in principle.

We must hope that the full parliament agrees, when we vote on the First Reading on Wednesday.

All good wishes

Bill Newton Dunn, Lib Dem MEP

www.newton-dunn.com

From Bill Newton Dunn's iPhone

On 11 Mar 2013, at 13:59, biffvernon wrote 

Dear Mr Newton-Dunn,
I urge you to vote for a meaningful reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that incentivises farmers to take care of our environment and stimulates rural employment.  Poor farming practices are responsible for the loss of the natural resources and flora and fauna that are necessary for future food security. I want my money to support farming that protects and restores the natural environment and supports rural communities.

I ask you to vote for a real reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) at the March plenary to:

1. ENSURE all farmers undertake good farming practices, respecting the environment in return for CAP direct subsidies (so-called 'greening')
2. REJECT illegal double subsidies, proposed by the AGRI Committee which would pay farmers twice for carrying out the same activity 
3. REINTRODUCE requirements for farmers to comply with EU laws on the environment, food safety, animal and public health when receiving EU subsidies
4. SUPPORT High Nature Value and organic farming systems

Your vote can make a difference! Please use it to support a real and lasting reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and to encourage sustainable farming and food production for our future generations.
Yours sincerely
Biff  Vernon