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The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Petros Xenophontos, attended the two-day meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, which took place on 26 and 27 June 2023 in Luxembourg.
In the context of the discussion on fisheries issues, the Council discussed the Commission's Communication on the current state of play on the Common Fisheries Policy and the consultation on fishing opportunities for next year. In his intervention, the Minister pointed out the need for a greater effort to support fisheries through the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. He also stressed the need to ensure a level playing field, particularly with third countries, as well as the need to combat illegal fishing. He also pointed out that for the energy transition of the sector, funding and investment in innovation should be strengthened.
During the Council, the Swedish Presidency presented a progress report on the proposal for a Regulation on the rational use of plant protection products. Mr Xenophontos said that Cyprus faces with concern, but also with a positive perspective, the objective of reducing the use of plant protection products and setting binding targets, while inviting the Commission to contribute to the adoption of a workable legislative framework. He stressed that there were strong concerns and reactions to the designation of sensitive areas and that it was important to redefine the bans, as they risked the abandonment of agricultural activities, with a negative impact on the countryside, mountain areas and biodiversity. As mentioned for Cyprus, the affected agricultural land amounts to 79%.
He asked the Commission to grant more flexibility at national level and additionally to take into account the assessment of the conditions and potential of each Member State. Concerning the obligation to apply integrated pest management, he said that granting a derogation for small farms would reduce administrative costs for small Member States and small producers.
The second day of the Council mainly discussed trade-related agricultural issues. The Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of the EU's agricultural sector, calling for agreements with third countries to take into account the sensitivities of member states. He also referred to the protection of Designation of Origin and Geographical Indication products, which are important for the economy and local traditions of the Member States. In addition, he pointed out that the EU should promote, through trade agreements, the transition to more sustainable food systems, preserving competitiveness as well as the sustainability of the primary sector.
The Council also discussed market support measures, financed from the agricultural reserve. Mr Xenophontos reiterated the need to support the agricultural sector in all member states, noting the problems of the agricultural sector in Cyprus. He stressed the need to provide adequate and fair EU action to support the EU agricultural sector.
The Swedish Presidency also informed on the progress of the negotiations on the proposal for a Regulation on geographical indications. Mr Xenophontos highlighted the importance for Cyprus of the provision for the possibility of extending the ten-year transitional period for another five years. He encouraged the incoming Spanish Presidency to maintain this provision in the final text, which will be agreed with the European Parliament. Wojciechowski, on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027.
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