Brussels, 27/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU27 farm ministers will be meeting in Debrecen, Hungary, on 29-31 May 2011 to discuss measures to help ensure sustainable animal husbandry in the EU. Behind the scenes, they will also discuss matters like reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos will be attending the meeting in Debrecen. In October 2011, he will be unveiling new legislation to reform the CAP.
In a document to be submitted to the farm ministers, the Hungarian Presidency explains that animal husbandry 'contributes to the welfare of European citizens by providing safe food and a cultivated environment winch contribute to economic growth as well as employment in rural areas,' but the industry faces a number of challenges. The Hungarian Presidency starts by asking: 'How can dairy production in regions with less favourable natural conditions best adapt to the competitive environment after the phase-out of the milk quota system in 2015?'
The Hungarian Presidency explains that the European production model, with its high standards, presents opportunities, but also challenges in terms of competitiveness in today's global market Since some food-exporting countries are free from animal welfare and environmental standards (and costs), the competitive position of the European animal husbandry industry is threatened by the higher standards in Europe, adds the Presidency. It ends by noting that volatility in cereal prices since 2003 has considerably increased the risks and financial burden for animal farming in Europe. The Hungarian Presidency will be brainstorming ministers about what can be done to minimise the impact of this situation and give animal husbandry in Europe access to feed supply at competitive prices.
The ministers will discuss animal husbandry at a working meeting on Tuesday 31 May 2011. On Sunday and Monday, they will have the opportunity to visit sites and farms in the Debrecen region.
On Monday, a meeting of the Special Agricultural Committee (SAC) will be held to examine a draft regulation laying down aid, refunds and prices for the single CMO (common market organisation, see EUROPE 10371). (L.C./transl.fl)