CAP Negotiations Update PDF Print E-mail
Written by Cian MacSweeny   
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
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Speaking at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Luxembourg, Brendan Smith, the Minister for Agriculture, said that the talks on the CAP Health Check were now reaching a decisive point. The negotiations at the Council meeting carried on late into last night and started up again this morning as the French Presidency seeks an agreement between the 27 Member States. The talks cover a broad range of topics in relation to the overhaul of the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP). The Irish Minister for Agriculture said, “I have a number of key priorities in these negotiations. In relation to milk policy, I am seeking sufficient milk quota increases and appropriate market management arrangements to ensure a “soft landing” in preparation for the expiry of quotas in 2015. It is very important that we have clear, predictable decisions on milk quotas to give policy certainty to producers and to industry. I am continuing to press the point that, for this hugely important sector, it is essential to have a policy framework which gives maximum possible certainty to all concerned, to allow them plan and invest with a view to availing of future market opportunities.”

In relation to some of the other topics being discussed with regard to the Health Check, the Minister said; “I am continuing to make clear my opposition to the substantial increases in compulsory modulation proposed by the Commission. I have had numerous meetings with the Commission and with other Member States on this and my views are well known. I also think it is very important that we use this opportunity to seek further simplification of our payment systems, which I hope will be of benefit to our producers.”

Minister Smith also noted the opportunity for greater national discretion in the running of EU support schemes and funds.

Ministers from the 27 Member States also talked about the fishing sector where they took the opportunity to discuss their views on important elements of the end-year fish quota negotiations. The topic of the EU-Norway negotiations was one of great importance to Ireland and Minister Smith took the opportunity to make Ireland's views clear on the need for a balanced final deal that protects Ireland's interests.



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