Most of member states stressed that risk management has become essential for farmers
In addition to the presentation given by the Cyprus Presidency on its work programme in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting also held two public debates on the proposals for regulations on rural development and the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products within the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform.
The Cyprus presidency announced to the Council its agricultural policy priorities, that will include to take forward the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform by organising focused debates on specific issues of the four main CAP regulations of the CAP reform package (direct payments, rural development, single common market organisation (CMO) and financing the CAP); preparing the adoption of a partial general approach on the key elements of the CAP reform package for November; and adopting in agreement with the European Parliament the proposals concerning transitional measures for the direct payments and the wine sector. The priorities of the Danish Presidency presented in January 2012 were similar.
In addition to this, most of the delegations agreed that in light of the challenges modern agriculture faces due to climate change and price volatility, risk management has become essential for farmers. Many member states also supported the Commission proposal on risk management through the second pillar, allowing flexibility to member states in the implementation, as well as the possibility to combine the measures with other actions under pillar II. However, some delegations were not convinced about the support of risk management under the second pillar, as they are concerned that the measure would require a high level of funding.
On the other hand, the Council was briefed on the situation of the dairy sector, the consequences of wildfires for agriculture in Spain, cooperation with China in the agri-food sector, a conference of directors of EU paying agencies, the animal welfare during transport and North East Atlantic mackerel management.