The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg.

Speaking at Council, the Minister welcomed the Commissions comprehensive report on the market situation.  “It is important that we continue to closely monitor market developments. While markets have continued to improve, most notably in pig meat and dairy, now is not the time for complacency. The market support measures introduced by the Commission last year were of significant assistance. It is important that we remain vigilant and ensure that the Common Agricultural Policy continues to provide measures to deal with the worst impacts of volatility. These are of vital importance in putting a floor under market prices and maintaining a vibrant rural economy.” said Minister Creed.

Ministers also had the opportunity to discuss International Trade Agreements, including Mercosur and the WTO.  Minister Creed said “Ireland supports a balanced approach to trade liberalisation so that offensive and defensive interests are addressed. While an EU Free Trade Agreement with Japan and the TTIP with the US potentially offer great benefits, we continue to harbour reservations about Mercosur and the potential impact on the beef sector in particular. The Commissions Cumulative Impact Assessment findings provide a real reminder of the need for caution in our approach to any agreement on Tariff Rate Quotas.”

Ministers also agreed to further engagement with the European Parliament on the Organics legislation and received an update from the Maltese Presidency regarding ongoing work in the area of emergency preparedness for plant and animal health.

The Commission also briefed the Council of Ministers on the recent case of meat fraud in Brazil. The Minister said “It is vitally important that meat and meat products being exported from any country to the EU fully comply with EU standards, and that there are robust and reliable systems in place to ensure that this is the case. We cannot tolerate a situation in which EU requirements are flouted, given the potential risks for food safety and consumer health. I also welcome the harmonised approach being taken to the more intensified checks that are now being carried out on product from Brazil”.

To view this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 104/2017 (pdf 305Kb) 

Date Released: 12 June 2017