Panayiotou urges EC to strengthen protection and impact assessments for agriculture and food security

The European Commission must ensure adequate protection mechanisms and conduct impact assessments to effectively safeguard the interests of the agricultural sector and the EU's food security, Cyprus' Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Dr Maria Panayiotou has said.

Speaking during the proceedings of the Council of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union (EU), held on 23 and 24 June in Luxembourg, Dr Panayiotou raised, among other things, the specific challenges faced by Cypriot fishermen due to Turkey's ongoing illegal actions and restrictions on access to fishing grounds. She called on the Commission to take these factors into account when determining fishing opportunities for Cyprus, a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Earlier yesterday, in statements before the start of the Council, Dr. Panayiotou highlighted the importance of the joint letter signed by 22 member states, including Cyprus, calling for the Common Agricultural Police (CAP) to remain an independent funding instrument with two key pillars that serve farmers’ needs—helping them adapt to new climate conditions and difficult circumstances.

The goal, she said, is "to ensure food security and for the primary sector to have the position it deserves and to grow further because, for us, what sets us apart is, of course, social cohesion in mountainous and remote areas". Another proposal from Cyprus, according to her, is that the Crisis Fund should respond to farmers' needs and be financed outside the CAP. For it to be effectively implemented by farmers themselves, simplification of the CAP should be ensured—not only in administrative procedures but also in the processes followed by the farmers, she added.

Dr. Panagiotou emphasised that "it is important for our proposals to be heard and translated into legislative proposals submitted by the European Commission".

The main topics of discussion at the Council included issues related to trade, the simplification of rules in the agricultural sector, and sustainable fishing in the EU.

On the sidelines of the Council, the Slovenian Presidency of the MED9 Group hosted a working dinner which focused on managing and dealing with crises in agriculture. In her intervention, Panayiotou spoke, among other things, of the importance in shaping flexible support systems for farmers which will adapt to their changing circumstances.

(Source: CNA)