Brussels, 15/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU agriculture ministers, meeting in Brussels on Thursday 17 March under the chairmanship of Hungarian Rural Development Minister Sándor Fazekas, will try to reach agreement on the text of the conclusions on the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) after 2013, despite differences remaining among them on a number of important points, such as the budget in the future, how direct aid is now to be allocated and market measures (see EUROPE 10332). Over lunch, ministers will discuss institutional questions relating to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Ministers will also be asked to decide on proposals for decisions authorising the use of three genetically modified varieties in foodstuffs and animal feed: cotton GHB614 from Bayer, maize MON 89034 × MON 88017 from Monsanto and maize line 1507 from Pioneer and Dow (see EUROPE 10333).
The CAP towards 2020. The Council could adopt conclusions which provide a rather positive assessment of the Commission communication “The CAP towards 2020: Meeting the food, natural resources and territorial challenges of the future”. The Commission will use the guidelines given by the Council in its preparation of legislative proposals on the CAP after 2013, which are expected around June of this year. The Commission will also present a quarterly report on the situation in the dairy market.
Mercosur et al. Under “Any other business”, the Dutch delegation will present its note (which has the support of 24 delegations) on the simplification of the CAP beyond 2013. This note suggests that six principles (including reducing administrative costs, greater proportionality to controls and penalties and better use of technology) be reflected in the legislative proposals for the new CAP. Ministers will be briefed by the Presidency on the outcome of the evaluation of the EU policy on animal welfare. Finally, the Netherlands will ask the Commission to brief the Council on the state of play in trade negotiations with the Mercosur. (L.C./transl.rt)