Farmers in Europe receive tens of billions of dollars a year in subsidies, a controversial practice which critics argue protects them from market forces, damages the environment and distorts world trade.

The issue is expected to feature at the next round of talks held by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Qatar later this year.

New Zealand is one of a handful of countries which have embarked on free trade for agriculture and some say it should be used as a model for changes in Europe.

When price supports were abolished in the 1980s, New Zealand farmers went through a period of painful and rapid adjustment and many of them had to abandon their businesses.

Robbed of independence?

But Alistair Poulson, chairman of Federated Farmers of New Zealand, says the industry is now more competitive and producers are much better off.

"The subsidy systems around the world rob farmers of their independence. They are at the mercy of policy makers and government," he said.

Mr Poulson believes that the average New Zealand farmer's advice would be to "get off the subsidy gravy train as soon as possible".

This view is held even by some of casualties of the policy switch.

John Watt farmed sheep for 30 years until he was forced to move off his farm following the introduction of subsidies.

"There was always going to be casualties," he said.

However, he believes that the removal of subsidies from New Zealand farmers gave them a broader base, and also won them the respect of the world.

Agricultural Economist Dr Robin Johnson was instrumental in planning the changes in New Zealand.

He believes the route chartered by the country is the most sustainable and economically sensible way forward for farmers now living with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).