The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr.Petros Xenophontos, had a meeting with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Mrs.Stella Kyriakidou, today, as part of a series of contacts that Mrs.Kyriakidou is conducting in Cyprus.
During the meeting, which was of an informal nature, Mr Xenophontos had the opportunity to discuss with the Commissioner the issues that fall within her portfolio and relate to the responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture. More specifically, they discussed the European Union Strategy "From Farm to Fork" and its implementation in Cyprus through a series of actions aimed at the transition to more sustainable food systems, with a timeframe of 2030. In the context of the Strategy, there was a discussion on the rational use of plant protection products as well as animal welfare and a review of the protection measures taken in Cyprus against the spread of harmful organisms for plants and plant products.
In his statements after the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment thanked Ms Kyriakidou for today's very constructive first meeting and expressed his confidence that the already close cooperation will be strengthened for the benefit of society. "Today I had the opportunity to be briefed by the Commissioner on the issues that fall within her portfolio and concern the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. We have touched upon issues related to the EU Farm to Plate Strategy, issues related to the use of pesticides and antibiotics, animal welfare and of course issues related to plant health," said Mr. Xenophontos. Minister, that "we will always have Mrs Kyriakidou by our side as a supporter in all the efforts that the Republic of Cyprus is making to further deepen its relations with the European Union."
For her part, the European Commissioner wished the new Minister of Agriculture every success in the difficult task she has undertaken.
For her part, the European Commissioner wished the new Minister of Agriculture every success in the difficult task she has undertaken. As Ms Kyriakidou noted, today's meeting was a first contact for an exchange of views on important issues related to her portfolio, including the Farm to Plate Strategy, reduction of pesticide use, antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare. "We will be in close cooperation in an effort to improve, assist and strengthen the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture in addressing various challenges that exist, as in other Member States," Ms Kyriakidou said.
"I always stress that we must never forget that the issues of our own health, of human health, are interlinked with all issues concerning the environment, plant health, animal health and welfare," the European Commissioner concluded.
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
