Safety and transparency throughout the food chain, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (strategic dialogue (see EUROPE 13322/7), strategic plans, post-2027 CAP) and food security and self-sufficiency are the agricultural priorities of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, according to statements made on Monday 8 January by Minister David Clarinval.
The Agriculture Council will meet on 23 January, 26 February, 26 March, 29-30 April, 27 May and 24-25 June. The informal meeting of ministers on the theme of strategic food autonomy will be held from 7 to 9 April in Limburg (see EUROPE 13316/13). In April, the ministers will discuss the annual performance reports for the CAP, future steps for the CAP and the review of the EU’s plant protein policy. On 24 and 25 June in Luxembourg, the Council agenda includes debates on seeds, animal transport and the post-2027 CAP.
The situation of the agricultural markets will also be assessed by the EU ministers, including the effects of imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. Mr Clarinval spoke of the “tensions” that exist in war-torn Ukraine’s neighbours, in particular Poland.
Mr Clarinval hopes that the Council will reach a common position on the proposal concerning new genomic techniques (NGT). This will require discussions with Poland and convincing it to support the compromise text. Belgium insisted on the problem of patents in the field of NGTs. “Many countries are concerned about the risk of patenting seeds and making them more expensive. More guarantees are needed”, said the Belgian Minister for Agriculture.
In terms of animal health, Belgium is defending the vaccination of animals against avian flu. Every year, Belgium spends €10 million slaughtering chickens with the flu. “Vaccination could prevent this”, said Clarinval. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur and Camille-Cerise Gessant)