The Agriculture Ministers did not reach an agreement on proposals for decisions authorising the use of three genetically modified varieties in food, feed and for other uses, neither in favour nor against. In addition, Ministers had an exchange of views on the CAP reform proposal for a regulation on rural development.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting ended with no agreement on the proposals for decision authorising the use of three genetically modified varieties in food, feed and for other uses. No agreement was reached either in favour of or against the authorisations. The proposals concern one kind of cotton and three sorts of maize.

On the other hand, Ministers had an exchange of views on a proposal for a regulation on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) within the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP). With regard to this proposal, some Member States expressed their preference for a proposal with a focus more on innovation and competitiveness. In addition, vast majority of delegations stressed that there is a need to ensure that the common strategic framework putting the EAFRD in line with structural funds will be consistent with the objective of simplification of the CAP.

During the meeting the Council was also briefed by the Commission on a report on the impact of regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport presented in November. The report points out the need of a proper enforcement of certain measures and insisted on the harmonisation in the implementation of this regulation within the EU. The future Danish Presidency indicated this issue as one of its priorities and several delegations welcomed the report indicating that they intend to look forward to the follow-up of this report.