Luxembourg: The European Commission must ensure adequate protection mechanisms and conduct impact assessments to effectively safeguard the interests of the agricultural sector and the EU’s food security, said Cyprus’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Panayiotou spoke during the proceedings of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union (EU), held on June 23 and 24 in Luxembourg. She highlighted the specific challenges faced by Cypriot fishermen due to Turkey’s ongoing illegal actions and restrictions on access to fishing grounds, urging the Commission to consider these factors when determining fishing opportunities for Cyprus, as noted in a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Earlier, Dr. Panayiotou emphasized the significance of a joint letter signed by 22 member states, including Cyprus, calling for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to remain an independent funding instrument. This policy is vital for helping farmers adapt to new climate conditions and challenging circumstances.
The goal, she stated, is to “ensure food security and for the primary sector to have the position it deserves and to grow further.” Dr. Panayiotou also proposed that the Crisis Fund should address farmers’ needs and be financed outside the CAP, emphasizing the need for simplification of CAP’s administration and processes.
Dr. Panagiotou stressed the importance of translating these proposals into legislative actions by the European Commission. The Council’s main discussions revolved around trade issues, simplifying agricultural sector rules, and sustainable fishing within the EU.
On the sidelines of the Council, the Slovenian Presidency of the MED9 Group hosted a working dinner that focused on crisis management in agriculture. Dr. Panayiotou discussed the importance of developing flexible support systems for farmers to adapt to changing circumstances.