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Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr.Maria Panayiotou participated in the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union (EU) that just concluded in Brussels.
The main topic of discussion at the meeting was the need for a rapid and at the same time structural response to the current crisis in the agricultural sector. The Council confirmed its willingness to effectively address farmers' concerns and gave political guidance on the measures that need to be implemented.
During the debate there was an admission by all speakers, Ministers and the Commissioner for Agriculture, that it is not enough to listen to the demands of farmers, but that they need to be put into a framework of short, medium and long term practical support measures.
In her intervention, Dr Panagiotou stressed:
"I am here to express the demands of the farmers of my country. Our farmers are involved in a vitally important sector so we must provide them with the necessary tools to produce food, protect the environment and rural areas, and safeguard their income. The green transition is necessary, but to make it fair and efficient, we need to contribute to the smooth adaptation of our farmers by compensating the reduction of their incomes with appropriate funding."
Consequently, Cyprus has put forward specific recommendations for the diversification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which include, among others,
[*]Short-term proposals to reduce the administrative burden borne by farmers. [*]Medium and long-term proposals to simplify and provide flexibility in the implementation of the CAP. [*]Additional support for farmers to ensure the implementation of the EU's green transition and environmental policy. [*]Ensure flexible procedures for amending the Strategic Plans to meet farmers' needs and Member States' specificities. [*]Easing of commitments and exemption of small farmers in the context of the application of conditionality. [*]Further support for farmers by introducing a new measure to grant temporary exceptional support to those affected by internal and/or external crises.
At the end of the discussion, Dr Panagiotou expressed her satisfaction that in his conclusions after the Council, the European Commissioner for Agriculture also included recommendations made by the Republic of Cyprus and stressed the importance of implementing the measures launched.
Finally, during the Council, the Commission presented the mandatory use of the digital system "CATCH" to combat illegal, illegal and unregulated fishing. Dr Panagiotou supported the Commission's effort to promote the use of "CATCH" by third countries, as an action that will have a positive impact on ensuring a level playing field.
(B]PIO[/B]
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