Brussels, 19/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - The Czech delegation argued at the Agriculture Council on Monday 18 July for derogations to be permitted to the ban on the use of potassium phosphonates (used in pesticides) in organic farming.
The Czech Republic told ministers that the ban on this active substance is creating difficulties for organic wine growers and fruit and vegetable growers. Germany and Luxembourg supported the Czech call. France opposed the lifting of the ban.
Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan stated that a return to using potassium phosphonates was not a solution. He did, however, highlight two research projects which are trying to find alternative protection for vines. Phosphonates are viewed, in France, for example, as being diametrically opposed to the very fundamentals of biological wine growing: they are synthetic, penetrating and systemic and leave residue in the wine.
Among the other business points, the Slovak Presidency of the Council presented the conclusions of the conference on “Strengthening of the farmers' position in the food supply chain” that was held in Bratislava on 30 June and 1 July. The outcome of the conference will inform the debate at the informal meeting of EU agriculture ministers taking place in Bratislava from 11 to 13 September, at which the same topic will be discussed. Those ministers who spoke underlined the need to strengthen farmers' bargaining power and to address unfair business practices.
Fires and drought. The Cyprus delegation briefed ministers on the impact on the agricultural sector of the wildfires in the month of June. Greece backed the action being taken by Cyprus and the Commission said that Cyprus could make use of a number of instruments to offer assistance to its farmers: funding for rural development programmes and state aid. Poland informed the Council about damage done by the agricultural drought that hit the country in May and June. It called on the Commission to provide preventive measures to best manage these kinds of situations.
Cambodian rice. Italy highlighted the problems that result from the duty-free import of rice from Cambodia and Myanmar/Burma. Hogan said at a press conference on Monday that, at a recent meeting with the Cambodian authorities, the Commission had suggested that they diversify their outlets.
Lumpy skin disease. At the request of Austria, the Commission briefed ministers on the work that has been continuing for a year and a half on lumpy skin disease, a viral disease that affects cattle. A number of delegations shared the concern shown by Luxembourg with regard to this disease. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)