Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 October 2009
32 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions which have taken place at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36069/09]
Amharc ar fhreagra60 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views in relation to the need for a strong well funded Common Agricultural Policy post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36068/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 60 together.
A first policy debate on CAP post 2013 took place at the Informal Agriculture Council in September last year under the French Presidency. The Czech Presidency continued the debate in the first months of 2009, focusing, in particular, on the issue of direct payments to farmers. The Swedish Presidency Programme provides for further discussion later this year, concentrating on rural development issues. In addition to these discussions at Council, both I and my officials have engaged with other Member States and the Commission bilaterally on the future of the CAP.
Notwithstanding the discussions to date, concrete proposals have yet to emerge on the shape of EU agriculture policy beyond 2013. The Commission is expected to bring forward a formal communication in mid 2010 on the future of the CAP, followed by legal proposals in mid 2011. A first round of formal negotiations will commence on the Communication, leading possibly to the agreement of Council Conclusions, while the more intense phase of formal negotiations will commence once the legal proposals are tabled. My own view, which I have expressed at meetings of the Council and bilaterally to my Ministerial colleagues, is that we must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the future to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere, where less efficient production systems exist, and would result in a heavier carbon footprint. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.
There will be major challenges ahead from climate change, increased competition on world and EU markets, the international economic crisis and other factors. We must ensure that we have the capacity to cope with the challenges and fully exploit the opportunities as they emerge. To do so, our whole sector, from farm to fork, must be highly efficient and competitive. It must also be innovative, producing the products that changing consumer tastes demand, and it must be relentlessly focused on quality and safety.
To achieve these objectives, there is a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy. That policy needs to recognise the role that a cohesive agriculture & rural development policy can play in addressing future energy needs, addressing environmental concerns and providing a secure and sustainable food supply in Europe. I launched a consultation process in July last with stakeholders to obtain their views on what EU agriculture policies would serve Ireland and the EU best in the years to come. I am very pleased with the response received to date and I would call on those organisations which have not already made submissions to let me have their views as soon as possible. All submissions received will be carefully examined and will help to inform our position in the very important negotiations that lie ahead.
