Brussels, 20/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 January, in Brussels, European agriculture ministers will discuss a number of aspects of the proposals on reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP), namely exceptional measures in times of market crisis and disruption, and measures intended to make the food supply chain more competitive and more effective. Mette Gjerskov, Denmark's Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, is to present the agriculture and fisheries work programme of the Danish Presidency for the next six months. European Health Commissioner John Dalli will present the EU strategy to the Council for the protection and welfare of animals. Ministers will, at the request of the Netherlands, take stock of the outbreak of the Schmallenberg virus. It should be noted that the Presidency has decided to cancel the Agriculture Council session scheduled for 23 February.
The Danish Presidency will present its work programme on agriculture and fisheries. It considers that the EU should promote the transition towards a greener economy and place emphasis on sustainable development.
Priorities of agriculture policy. (1) The common agricultural policy (CAP) reform package must: set out key elements of a compromise on the four main regulations (direct payments, rural development, common market organisation and CAP funding); organise targeted debates on thematic issues such as innovation, greening and simplification; and seek an agreement with the European Parliament on proposals concerning transitional measures for direct payments and the wine sector. “The new common agricultural policy must promote sustainable agriculture, protect the environment and the countryside and ensure stable food supplies by focusing on research, development and innovation within the agri-food sector”, the Danish paper on agricultural and fisheries priorities reads. Denmark adds that an environmentally sustainable agricultural sector is part of the solution to many of the new challenges today, such as climate adjustment, reduction of CO2 emissions and sustainable development. (2) Agricultural legislation must be aligned with the Lisbon Treaty (the Presidency hopes to reach agreement with the European Parliament in this). (3) CAP funding must be amended in line with transparency and a Commission communication on promoting agricultural products. (4) Agriculture sector research and innovation have to be boosted (Commission conference on 7 March 2012).
The priorities for fisheries policy will concern mainly: (1) reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) - the Presidency wants to conclude the debate on certain sections of the package (basic regulation, common organisation of markets and new funding 2014-2020) and stresses the importance of ending the discard of fish at sea; (2) renewing a number of partnership agreements with non-EU countries; (3) other proposals (specific conditions on deep water stock fisheries, the communication on fishing opportunities for 2013).
On food and veterinary issues, the Presidency hopes to: - conclude an agreement with the European Parliament (EP) on the proposal on infant food and food for special medical purposes; - prioritise organic production; - reach agreement with the EP on the food quality package; - highlight antimicrobial resistance (AMR); - modernise official meat control systems towards a risk-assessment-based approach (conference on this issue on 2-3 February 2012); - make animal welfare and health a priority.
Reform of the CAP. Ministers will hold an exchange of views on the proposal for a regulation establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products (single common market organisation - CMO - regulation). The Presidency would like the debate to be structured around: the effectiveness of exceptional measures in case of market disturbances and crisis; and the proposed measures aiming at a more competitive and properly functioning food supply chain.
The Dutch delegation will brief the Council on the Schmallenberg virus epizootic. This virus is probably carried by insects. It affects goats, sheep and cattle, leading to the birth of deformed lambs and calves, miscarriages, severe diarrhoea, fevers and falls in milk production. Confirmed cases of this new animal disease have been reported in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. The Netherlands and France have introduced compulsory notification of the disease. At the Council, the Netherlands will call for compulsory notification of the new disease in the member states and argue for financial support by the Commission for monitoring and research. (LC/transl.jl/rt)