Presidency´s priorities in agriculture and fisheries
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council has held a public debate on the Swedish Presidency's work programme for the next six months. Its main priorities are sustainable fisheries, the global challenges relating to food security and climate change, and sound animal husbandry.
In EU fisheries policy, the Presidency aims to improve long-term sustainability. A new proposal to make fishery controls more effective is being negotiated with the objective to conclude in the autumn. Ministers will continue to discuss the fundamental reform of the Common Fisheries Policy scheduled to come into effect as from 2013.
The farming sector should help reduce its negative impact on the climate, while adapting to inevitable changes. In the international forum, the EU will contribute to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation's efforts to achieve global food security.
Safe food is another priority, including new decisions to be taken on novel foods. The Swedish Presidency is striving to make it easier for consumers to make conscious and informed choices: a new EU regulation on food information is essential here.
Sound animal husbandry and animal well-being go hand in hand. Proposals for new legislation are underway to improve the welfare of animals both for food production and scientific purposes. Finally, work will continue in the framework of the Animal Health Strategy, which is important for future animal husbandry in the EU.
Food security and climate change were other important point in the debate: Sweden eill host a conference entitled “Climate Smart Food”, which will focus on the impacts of climate change on the entire food chain.