I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 to 163, inclusive, together.
The multi-functional role of agriculture is the basis of the Agenda 2000 agreement which was finalised by the EU Heads of Government in Berlin in March 1999. At that meeting, the heads of Government also decided that the Agenda 2000 agreement would constitute an essential element of the EU's negotiating position for the WTO negotiations and the negotiating mandate given to the European Commission by the Council of Ministers reflects that decision. The EU is therefore committed to safeguarding the multi-functional nature of European agriculture. Moreover, in fulfilling its mandate, the Commission has been developing support for the concept among other members of the WTO and in particular among majority world countries, to many of whom the concept is important.
While I would be open to consultative mechanisms with farming organisations and other appropriate bodies in the majority world, the most appropriate means of consultation on majority world issues is at intergovernmental level.