The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today met European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, to review a number of issues currently on the EU agenda. Foremost in the discussions was Brexit, but the meeting also touched on a wide range of issues of interest to Ireland. 

Commenting afterwards, the Minister said: “Today was a welcome opportunity to review the current EU landscape. In addition to a broad discussion on Brexit and its implications for the Irish agri-food sector, I was able to discuss the current situation in a range of policy areas, including the future of CAP post-2020 and the strengthening of farmers’ position in the food supply chain.”

The Minister particularly welcomed indications from Commissioner Hogan that Ireland’s recent submission to amend its Rural Development programme will shortly be approved. The Minister said: “The imminent approval of the RDP amendment will allow us to proceed with a number of important elements of the programme, including the proposed hen harrier and freshwater pearl mussel schemes and in the area of animal welfare. I am delighted that the amendment process has come to a conclusion and look forward to these schemes’ implementation in the coming period.”

Concluding, the Minister looked forward to continued close contact with Commissioner Hogan, and to ongoing effective collaboration on furthering the Irish and European agricultural agenda.

To view this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 10/2017 (pdf 408Kb) 

Date Released: 27 January 2017