The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, is in Luxembourg to participate in the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the European Union (EU) and to chair the 2nd meeting of the EUMED-9, aiming to promote proposals for simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and enhancing the position of farmers in food supply.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, Panayiotou, in collaboration with the agricultural movement, during the previous Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers on March 26, 2024, submitted proposals for amending CAP regulations, which were ultimately adopted by the Council.
The amendments proposed by Panayiotou aimed to further increase production and secure additional agricultural income, particularly in vulnerable sectors of Cypriot agriculture, while also being beneficial for farmers operating in our mountainous areas, the statement adds.
The new Regulation, which will be published in the Official Journal of the EU in the coming days and will have retroactive effect from January 1st, institutionalizes the request made by the Agriculture Ministers of the EU Member States to reduce the administrative burden on farmers receiving CAP support, in a way that strengthens the economic viability of agricultural holdings and, at the same time, enhances the high environmental ambition of the CAP.
At today’s Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the EU, ministers of member states are expected to continue discussions on addressing agricultural crises.
The Council will focus on measures to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy and strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain. Furthermore, discussions are expected on EU trade agreements with third countries and their impact on the competitiveness of European agriculture.
Before the start of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries in Luxembourg, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, within the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement of the 9 EU Member States (MED9), convenes the 2nd consecutive meeting of the Ministers of Mediterranean Member States, aimed at coordinating and finding suitable tools to promote positions that will strengthen their common demands on agricultural issues.
Panayiotou is scheduled to return to Cyprus on April 30th.
