Reacting to EU Farm Ministers talks today, Copa President Martin Merrild urged EU negotiators quickly to get an agreement on the EU organic farming review during the trialogue meetings so that producers have clarity on the new rules.
Mr Merrild stressed “It could take another five months for a deal to be had. There are however many areas where MEPs and Member States have a similar approach which will enable them to find areas to agree on and I urge them to look at this. For example, they both agree on keeping mixed farms in the review as it gives farmers an incentive to convert gradually into organic farming. But MEPs proposal to limit the size of holdings will negatively impact on some existing organic farms in the EU and its crucial to agree with the EU Commission and Council on this”, he said.
He went on to support some of the Polish Farm Minister warnings in Brussels today on the deteriorating EU pork market situation. “We welcome the fact that private storage aid will finally be introduced in January to alleviate pressure on the EU pig meat market. Prices are critical. But we regret that it was not introduced sooner”, he added.
He also welcomed the deal on the EU school schemes - the two schemes are kept separate as called for by Copa and Cogeca - with an increase in the budget for the dairy scheme. The deal should be officially wrapped up by the end of the year.
“In addition, it was good that Ministers discussed today EU proposals relating to medicated feed and veterinary medicines. It’s important to take a pragmatic approach here. Maintaining and improving the animals health is one of the best ways to reduce the need for antibiotic treatments. We are committed to promoting the concept of the responsible use of antimicrobials by prescription. Antibiotics should be used “as little as possible, and as much as necessary, he said
He went on to welcome Ministers talks on sustainable agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the bioeconomy, saying that a transition to a bio-based economy will be positive for growth, jobs, resource efficiency in Europe and the fight against climate change, with the added advantage of having the potential to stabilize farmers’ incomes. He urged Member States to work on providing the right framework and instruments to develop it.
Finally, he supported concerns raised by Ministers about the quality of honey imported to the EU and the competitiveness of apiculture sector in Europe. The move came as the issues were debated by Ministers today.
