Xenophontos: Measures to support farmers necessary to counter effects of Russian invasion

Minister for Agriculture Petros Xenophontos has stressed the need for medium and long-term measures to support farmers so they can cope with the impact of the Russian invasion of agricultural markets, during the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the EU which was held in Brussels.

According to a statement, EU agriculture ministers were on Monday briefed by the European Commission on the implications of the Russian invasion of Ukraine for the EU market and food security, as well as on the extension of the agreement on the operation of ports on the Black Sea, and on a proposal for measures to mitigate the impact on EU farmers in regions neighbouring Ukraine.

During this discussion, the Minister of Agriculture informed his counterparts about the continuing increase of the cost of production in Cyprus, and the effects this has on prosperity in the farming sector as well as the risks for reduced production in the main food sectors. He also stressed the need to take medium and long-term measures to support farmers in all member states.

The Commission also briefed the ministers on developments concerning trade and agriculture, in particular the progress of negotiations with third countries and the EU's role in ensuring global food security.

Xenophontos stressed the importance of the transition to more sustainable food systems, noting that any EU agreement with third countries should be examined on a case-by-case basis in order to achieve the necessary commitments and consensus among trading partners.

During the meeting, ministers also exchanged views on a new package of measures including efforts to make the fisheries and aquaculture sector less energy-intensive, the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems and the Common European Fisheries Policy.

Xenophontos presented the efforts that have been undertaken by the Cypriot fleet to date and the challenges related to the implementation of the Green Deal, and suggested strengthening efforts in the context of the energy transition. The Minister also reminded his counterparts of the serious problems that Turkey creates in the fisheries sector through illegal fishing and through harassment of Cypriot fishing vessels.

In the context of a discussion on the conclusions of the European Pigmeat Reflection Group, the Agriculture Minister stressed the need for further financial incentives for the private sector and referred to the importance of the exchange of best practices.

Ministers also exchanged views on the agricultural and forestry aspects of the Nature Restoration Regulation and agreed on the need to provide maximum flexibility to member states as well as to provide opportunities to support farmers and forest managers.

Finally, the Commission presented its Communication on the review of the EU Pollinator Initiative which sets out the actions to be taken by the EU and Member States to reverse the decline of pollinators by 2030. The Minister of Agriculture expressed Cyprus' support by stressing the importance of pollinators for the environment and agricultural production.

(Source: CNA)