Brussels: The Cypriot Presidency of the Council will work closely with all Member States and the European Commission to ensure a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector, in order to strengthen the EU's food security, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou said, adding that supporting farmers is a top priority for the Presidency. She was speaking on Wednesday following the informal meeting of the 27 EU Agriculture Ministers with Commissioners for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, Trade MaroÅ¡ Å efcovic and Health and Food Safety Oliv©r V¡rhelyi, held at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Minister, who co-chaired the meeting with the Commission, emphasized the necessity of addressing the challenges faced by European farmers. She noted that the concerns raised require swift and effective action. The Minister expressed gratitude for the constructive discussions, describing them as timely and necessary. The Cypriot Presidency has prioritized advancing work in all relevant Council formations to achieve rapid progress.
The Minister highlighted the importance of supporting farmers and rural communities within the framework of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. This priority aligns with the calls from several Member States to consider transferring certain provisions concerning the Common Agricultural Policy from the MFF Regulation to the CAP regulations. The Minister also mentioned the proposal presented by the Commission to secure additional resources for farmers and rural communities.
In response to a question from CNA regarding a letter sent by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen affirmed the economic and geopolitical rationale behind the proposed financial support. He stated that the additional £45 billion announced could be mobilized by 2028, potentially bringing total agriculture support to nearly £400 billion.
Commissioner Maroš Šefcovic addressed the high fertiliser prices, noting that they remain significantly elevated compared to 2020. He announced a proposal to temporarily suspend remaining MFN tariffs on ammonia and urea, aiming to reduce costs for farmers by 2026. Additionally, a Fertiliser Action Plan is expected in the second quarter of the year.
Commissioner Oliv©r V¡rhelyi emphasized the importance of alleviating administrative burdens on farmers. He introduced the Food and Feed Omnibus proposal, which aims to streamline procedures for plant protection products and reduce approval times for new products. These changes could potentially save up to £1 billion annually.
Minister Panayiotou stressed the positive reception of proposed measures to reduce costs for farmers, particularly the Fertiliser Action Plan. She highlighted the focus on cost reduction and competitiveness, including CBAM and trade-related measures.
On the EU-Mercosur agreement, the Minister mentioned the pending meeting of the EU's Permanent Representatives to decide on the matter. The Cypriot Presidency seeks a decision on this issue.
In conclusion, the Minister expressed optimism about implementing the vision for Europe's agricultural sector. A special Task Force will be launched at the upcoming AGRIFISH Council to improve import controls. The Minister committed to updating the Council on progress throughout the Cypriot Presidency, reaffirming the commitment to a resilient and competitive agricultural sector.