During the last AGRIFISH Council under the Greek Presidency held in Luxembourg (16-17.06.2014), Agriculture ministers discussed issues related to school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme, the future of dairy products as well as issues related to the adoption of the regulation on the fisheries landing obligation.

The Presidency highlighted the progress achieved during the first half of 2014 on the proposal for a regulation as regards the aid scheme for the supply of fruit and vegetables, bananas and milk in schools. The proposal aims to streamline the existing schemes with a view to increasing their efficiency and effectiveness and reducing the administrative burden. In light of the discussion in the Council, the main issues identified are the legal basis of the proposal, the objective and the scope of the regime and the financing provisions.

The Commission presented to the Council a report on the development of the market situation in the milk sector, as provided for in the “Milk Package” regulation which was designed with a view to the long-term future of the dairy sector following the end of the quota system next year in March. The next Presidency will have to decide on future work on this file.

The Council adopted conclusions on the Commission report on the implementation of the provisions concerning producer organisations, operational funds and operational programmes in the fruit and vegetable sector since the 2007 reform.

EU Ministers had an exchange of views on how member states intend to implement at national level the key elements of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), particularly as regards direct payments.

Under “Other items”, the Council adopted, inter alia, a decision authorising the opening of negotiations on agreements between the EU and third countries on trade in organic products. This should better balance these negotiations which are currently established on a system of unilateral equivalency.

Read more on the Council's website