Peter Mandelson has defended the progress being made in reforming Europe's common agricultural policy.
In an interview with ITV1's Jonathan Dimbleby programme, the European trade commissioner said progress was being made.
But he strongly rejected calls by Gordon Brown for a larger reduction in agricultural subsidies.
At the weekend the chancellor said both the EU and United States should offer further cuts ahead of the World Trade Organisation's crunch Hong Kong talks.
Mandelson warned that the ministerial trade meeting, due later this month, would not make the progress Britain is hoping for.
And he said Brown was "missing the point" in his comments on agricultural reform.
"I think he's going somewhat over the top in asking for that," he said.
"Obviously, as ever with Gordon, there is a kernel of truth in what he asks for.
"In essence he's right - the CAP needs reform and spending needs lowering - but he needs to say it in a better proportion than he seemed to be suggesting in his remarks yesterday."
The trade commissioner also said that a "very substantial continuing reform" of the CAP was already under way.
"There are small revolutions going on in the CAP," he said.
"There is a difference between emphasising reform and saying that the entire CAP and all its domestic support must be scrapped altogether."
