The issues affecting the agricultural products market in the EU member states due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine were the main issue of discussion during Monday’s meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.
According to a press release, Cyprus was represented by the Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Andreas Gregoriou.
Speaking during the discussion, Gregoriou called on the Commission to swiftly proceed with the adoption of a new measure for providing further funding to affected farmers through the Rural Development Fund, and noted that the effects of the war and of the increase in prices of fertilizers, feed and fuel have limited profit margins for producers.
Gregoriou made particular reference to the growing problems faced by primary sector enterprises in Cyprus regarding their sustainability. Cyprus also joined other member states in expressing the view that transporting grain by sea would speed up the effort to facilitate the export of grain from Ukraine.
Moreover, Cyprus supported Croatia’s request for support for farmers affected by extreme weather conditions.
During a discussion on the progress regarding the drafting of a regulation on geographical indications, Gregoriou supported the inclusion of an amendment allowing for the possibility of extending the 10-year transitional period of compliance with the geographical indications standards for another five years in exceptional cases.
Gregoriou explained that the objective of the amendment is to address problems that make it difficult to implement a geographical indication in a timely manner or to manage those cases where the approval of a geographical indication takes longer than usual to complete.
In the context of the exchange of views on the application of EU sanitary and environmental standards to imported agricultural and agri-food products, Gregoriou expressed Cyprus’ support for the transition to sustainable food systems.
He stressed, however, that the transition should be gradual, and in line with World Trade Organisation rules, as significant difficulties are expected in extending EU standards to third countries.
Gregoriou also added that the specificities recognised for third country farmers in terms of the production of their products and the pressures resulting from high European standards also apply to farmers in regions within the EU. He also pointed out that food security should be taken into account in the context of decision-making on trade issues, especially during difficult times.
The Ministers also exchanged views on the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. Gregoriou underlined the importance of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, and referred to the issue of the full implementation of the landing obligation, especially for mixed fisheries.
Source: Cyprus News Agency