08/04/2022 08:35
EU agriculture ministers discussed food security in the European Union and the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the agricultural market, during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Luxembourg on Thursday.
During the meeting, in which Cyprus was represented by Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis, the European Commission also presented its legislative proposal for a revision of the geographical indications scheme for agricultural and food products.
The agenda of the meeting also included the ongoing revision of the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) regulation, as part of the Fit for 55 package.
Speaking during the debate on the impact of the war in Ukraine on the agricultural market, Kadis said that there is a need for additional measures to support farmers and herders, beyond those that have already been presented by the Commission.
Kadis stressed in particular the importance of providing immediate and adequate support to farmers during this period to ensure the viability of the agricultural sector. A statement by the Ministry of Agriculture recalls that Cyprus, together with 12 other member states, has requested that the EU allow the financing of the agricultural and livestock sector from the Rural Development budget.
The Agriculture Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted supply of raw materials for feed as well as food within and outside the European Union. He also underlined the need to avoid food shortages, both in Ukraine as well as in vulnerable regions dependent on imports from Ukraine.
Commenting on the Commission`s legislative proposal on the revision of the geographical indications scheme for agricultural and food products, Kadis said that the Commission should be given the necessary flexibility to effectively manage specific cases. For example, he said, the Commission should be able to authorise an extension of the transitional period for compliance with the specifications of certain products.
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