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From:Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today highlighted the work which he has been leading on since Ireland assumed the EU Presidency on the first of July.

Commenting, Minister Heydon, said:

“During the first month of Ireland’s EU Presidency, my Department has been engaging in intensive work on policy files of direct relevance to the agri-food and fisheries sectors. Holding the EU Presidency provides Ireland with an opportunity to help shape the EU agenda and to work with Member States to reach agreements on policy matters that have the potential to benefit farm families, and fishermen and fisherwomen, in Ireland and across the European Union.”

In the first month of Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine chaired 14 Council Working Party meetings on a range of important policy issues. These Working Party meetings are a key part of the legislative process of the EU, as they examine and negotiate policy in detail before it is discussed by Ministers at Council level.

Key policy highlights from July include:

Minister Heydon chaired the July Council meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in Brussels earlier this month. Topics discussed included the Commission’s new livestock strategy and protein plan, the role of women in agriculture as well as a focused discussion on the importance of the EU’s protected geographical indications in trade. He also engaged with the European Parliament committees for agriculture, fisheries and the environment.

The Informal Meeting of Fisheries Ministers in Cork last week was hosted by Minister Heydon and Minister of State with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley TD. The meeting was also attended by the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, and the Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral MEP. The meeting discussed the promotion of generational renewal in fisheries and aquaculture, with a particular focus on making the sector more viable and creating pathways for young people and women who are considering a career in the seafood sector.

Commenting on upcoming EU Presidency priorities, Minister Heydon added:

“Progressing discussions on the new Common Agricultural Policy is of critical importance. A strong and adequately funded CAP is important for supporting food production, rural communities as well as the long-term sustainability of the European agri-food sector. Equally, a strong and adequately funded Common Fisheries Policy is essential to the sustainable future of the seafood sector and our coastal communities.”

“I also look forward to holding the Informal Meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Dublin in September. The central discussion will focus on the future of European livestock farming. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to showcase Ireland’s strengths in grass-based agriculture, research, innovation and sustainable food production.”