Brussels, 07/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Russian embargo, organic farming, the animal and plant health package, simplification of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and GMOs. These are the main issues during the first six months of 2015, when Latvia holds the rotating Council presidency.
At this stage, five meetings of the Agriculture Council are planned under the Latvian Presidency. The February meeting has been cancelled and the one in May remains to be confirmed. The informal meeting of EU agriculture ministers will take place in Riga from 31 May to 2 June.
Latvian Agriculture Minister Janis Duklavs will present his six-month work programme at the Agriculture Council meeting on 26 January. The European Commission will report on the situation with regard to the Russian embargo on the import of agri-food products from the EU. Also at the end of January, the Agriculture Council will adopt conclusions on the 11th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests, to be held in New York from 4 to 15 May. The Commission will also present two reports on the labelling of food products: the first on the compulsory labelling of the country of origin or of the place of provenance of unprocessed foodstuffs, of products containing only one ingredient and of ingredients that make up over 50% of a foodstuff; and the second on information for consumers on the trans fatty acid (unsaturated fatty acid) content of foodstuffs.
Organic farming in March and May.
According to the provisional agendas drafted by the Presidency, the Council will hold a further policy debate on 16 March on the somewhat controversial proposal on the change of rules on organic products. Also on 16 March, ministers will discuss simplification of the reformed CAP and best practice for implementation.
On 11 May, ministers could come to an agreement (general approach) on the sensitive issue of organic farming. In its work programme for 2015, adopted at the end of last year, the Commission stated that it would withdraw its proposal on this matter if there was no agreement among the member states within the six months.
GMOs in April.
If things go as expected, EU agriculture ministers should reach first reading agreement at the Council meeting in Luxembourg on 20 April on the level of reduction of direct aid payments in 2016. Agreement is also expected in April on the livestock production chapter of the health package. In addition, the Commission will provide the Agriculture Council with information on the review of the GMO decision process (a review called for notably by Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker). This is an issue that the Commission will raise on 15 June, too, with EU environment ministers.
At the May Council meeting, ministers could adopt conclusions on simplifying the CAP and consider information from the Commission on the agricultural aspects of the EU's energy and climate 2030 framework.
Health package. If the May meeting takes place and proves successful, the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 16 June will discuss a report taking stock of negotiations in: zootechnical legislation, the crop production chapter of the health package and legislation on veterinary medicines and veterinary feeds.
The Latvian Presidency could provide a report on the “official controls” chapter of the health package.
Lastly, the Latvian Presidency is looking to have a decision in June on the respective areas of competence of the EU and its member states in those areas covered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Among the other issues that feature in the document on the Latvian presidency's priorities are: the proposal on the programmes for the distribution of milk and fruit and vegetables in schools, novel food legislation and caseins.
Elsewhere, on 12 June, telecommunications ministers are expected to discuss internet governance, a highly topical issue for the wine-making sector in particular, fearing, as it does, the damage that could be done to EU geographical indications.
In a press release on Wednesday 7 January, the Latvian Agriculture Ministry set out three priorities: improvement and enhancement of competiveness of the EU agricultural production, sustainable forest management, based on the experience of EU member states, and sustainable management of fisheries resources. Latvian minister Janis Duklavs will meet Commissioners Phil Hogan (Agriculture) and Karmenu Vella (Fisheries and Maritime Affairs) in Riga on Thursday 8 January when the College of Commissioners visits the Latvian capital. (LC)