Historically, Liberal Democrat opinions on CAP reform would not normally be that important in shaping future UK agricultural policy. However, the fact that the Lib Dems have been coalition partners with the larger Conservative Party in Parliament since 2010, and are scheduled to remain in government until 2015, means that they have a timely influence on the British negotiating position. Although there are no Lib Dem senior ministers for Defra, unlike most other policy sectors, Lib Dem MPs have traditionally held largely rural seats in the West Country and the Scottish Highlands and Islands and their constituents are more often employed in the food and farming industries than the national average.
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