The minister was happy to engage with the EU parliament and looked forward to the full application of co-decision in agriculture. He emphasised his commitment to a strong and adequately resourced CAP after 2013.

Noting the early stage of negotiations Mr Smith repeated his opposition to a flat rate payment and that Ireland would defend the principles of the CAP. He also added that Ireland would seek secure sufficient resources to preserve the principles of solidarity, support for primary production, food security, quality and food safety and protection of family farming.

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