Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU will be defined by action and delivery, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has told a meeting of the EU’s agriculture and fisheries (AGRIFISH) council.

The Minister presented Ireland’s work programme for the AGRIFISH council on Monday, 12 July.

Competitiveness, values and security will be Ireland’s three main priorities under the presidency, he said.

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“Pursuing agreement on the new EU budget is an overarching priority for the Irish presidency, Ireland is committed to ensuring that the next multiannual financial framework (MMF) will have the power to transform Europe for the better for the years ahead.

Our objective is that the next MMF will continue to provide support for farmers, fishers and rural communities.

“We are fully committed to acting as an honest broker in negotiating workable compromises to agree an ambitious budget for the EU.

“Our objective is that the next MMF will continue to provide support for farmers, fishers and rural communities.”

Heydon said the core priority is to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food sector.

CAP

“Central to this is progressing discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027,” he said.

Other key priorities the Minister discussed included the simplification of EU rules for farmers and food businesses, to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens while maintaining high standards.

Generational renewal is another key theme of the Ireland’s presidency as farming must be attractive and viable for young people, he said.

Heydon also said there will be a focus on the role of women in agriculture with this being the UN year of the woman farmer

“Women make a vital contribution to the economic and social fabric of rural Ireland, and that contribution must be more visible and better supported,” he said.

EU livestock strategy

Welcoming the Commission’s publication of the EU livestock strategy, another focal point will be advancing the role of livestock in European agriculture.

Closely linked to this is the EU protein action plan. "Strengthening the sustainability and resilience of Europe’s protein systems will be important for food security, feed security and reducing strategic dependences,” Heydon said.

“Ireland will facilitate consideration by Member States of the livestock strategy and the protein plan in a coherent and integrated manner with a view to publishing a presidency report by the end of the year."

Heydon said Ireland will also focus on progressing the Commission’s vision for agriculture, food and farm safety with regular talks on EU agri-food markets and trade.