Dublin, 10/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Although the Irish minister for agriculture, Simon Coveney, wants reforms to the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policies to be agreed before the end of the Irish presidency, he stated that, even if an agreement is concluded, reform of the CAP will not really be in place before 2015. He said that the Presidency would like a new CAP to be operating by 2014 but that it had to be realistic and realise that time was needed to put this into place, given considerations such as payment models etc. In agriculture, the Irish Presidency's priority and “challenge for Europe”, is to produce more but in a sustainable way.
He also emphasised that he did not see the CAP as a subsidy but rather a payment in recognition of the quality of European products. The minister said that he supported the free market but was realistic and that, when producers were asked to produce food subject to certain conditions (respecting the directives etc.), it became more difficult and expensive. This had to be paid for and it was a deal between consumers and producers, he argued.
Highlighting the success of Irish agriculture, he said that it was the job of national governments to put in place policies that supported an ambitious agricultural industry and that countries should focus on areas in which they are competitive. Although Ireland is experiencing a financial crisis, the country exported more than €9 billion worth of food and drinks to more than 170 countries in 2012, a rise of €2 billion over three years. Ireland aims to increase production and exports by 40% over the next decade. (CG/transl.fl)