Most of the EU agriculture ministers endorsed the tight schedule proposed by the Irish Presidency for the CAP reform. However, they pointed out that any advancement on the CAP reform is linked to an agreement at the next European summit on a Multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020.

The Irish Presidency presented its work programme and priorities on agriculture and a roadmap for common agricultural policy (CAP) reform to the Council. Although most of the delegations endorsed the tight schedule proposed by the Presidency for the CAP reform, they also pointed out that any advancement on the CAP reform is linked to an agreement at the next European summit on a Multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2014-2020. In June 2012, EU Agriculture ministers showed different positions on the rural development proposal within the CAP reform.

The Presidency will focus its action on securing interinstitutional political agreement on the reform of the CAP by the end of June this year. To that end, the Presidency expects to achieve a comprehensive Council position by end of March 2013. Many of the delegations noted that this work programme was ambitious but realistic, considering that the Commission for agriculture of the European Parliament has voted recently its position on the CAP reform.

The Presidency also highlighted that it will continue to work with the European Parliament on the alignment of the current agriculture legal framework with the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon. Under the current Presidency, the Council will also provide political direction as regards the Commission report on the regulation for organic production.