Minister of Rural Development and Food Athanasios Tsaftaris presents Presidency priorities to the European Parliament

AGRIAgriculture & Fisheries (AGRI)

Wednesday, 22 January 2014, 13:10EET

The Minister of Rural Development and Food presented the Greek Presidency priorities to the COMAGRI (Agriculture and Rural Development Committee) of the European Parliament, on January 21, in Brussels.

Minister Tsaftaris noted that "When we talk about Agriculture and Fisheries, we talk about an important sector of European economy, a pillar of growth and employment, a sector that ensures the quality of our food, respecting natural resources and society".

Minister Tsaftaris particularly highlighted the following issues:

CAP reform-Delegated Acts: The priority being given by the Presidency to conclude the CAP reform package. Particular attention will be paid to the timely adoption of the delegated acts which should closely reflect the political agreement concerning this reform, in order to provide a stable environment for EU farmers.
Promotion of agricultural products: This dossier, which seeks to update and enhance the status of promotion measures, is a priority and no effort will be spared to achieve progress.
Fruits and Vegetables: The Greek Presidency intends to examine the report that the Commission is expected to submit in the first quarter of 2014 based on the results of the 2007 review for fruit and vegetables, which is an important sector for the EU economy and for a healthy diet.
Dairy Sector: The Presidency of the Council will discuss in the first quarter of 2014, the prospects for this sector, and in June 2014 the results of the implementation of the current regime.
Distribution of agricultural products to school children: The Presidency aims to examine proposals due and intends to submit a progress report to the Council.
Organic Farming: The Greek Presidency will pay particular attention to the Commission’s proposal, foreseen in March.
Island Farming: The Greek Presidency will work closely with the European Parliament in order to adopt this new optional quality term.
Smarter Rules for Safer Food chain: The Greek Presidency intends to complete the technical review of the proposals and reach the first compromise texts incorporating the views expressed by Member States.
Labeling of origin for meat used as an ingredient: This Commission report is one of the priorities of the Greek Presidency in order to provide better information to consumers.
Review of the agricultural regime for the outermost regions (POSEI).

The MEPs who shared the priorities presented by Minister Tsaftaris noted that the Greek Presidency comes at a crucial time less than five months before the European Parliament elections, acknowledging the special effort that the Presidency’s goals require.

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