Meeting ahead of this week’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, progressives demanded dedicated and predictable funding for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, a strong and ambitious Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the years 2028-2034, as well as exchanging views on the AGRIFISH Council agenda.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights from Malta, Anton Refalo, and Chair of the meeting said:
‘‘This is a critical moment; we need a strong ambitious MFF with dedicated, predictable, and safeguarded funding to the CAP to support our farming sector, especially small and medium farms, rural farms, women, and young farmers, and to guarantee food security for all European citizens.
The CAP budget needs to be strengthened and remain independent in order to support the farming sector against market inflation and price volatility, unfair competition from third countries, and must take into account the realities and challenges of different Member States.
Europe’s food security starts with its producers. This is the moment for us to discuss the CAP reform, defend the incomes, working conditions, and opportunities for all agricultural workers, and secure the livelihoods and future of our rural communities and farms.’’
During the exchange of views, progressives underlined the importance of the market situation for agrifood products and commodities with a discussion on the challenges and priorities of the wine sector.
The next AGRIFISH Council will be taking place on September 22nd and 23rd in Brussels.
The meeting was attended by:
- Minister Anton Refalo, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Malta
- Minister Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spain
- Dario Nardella, S&D Agri Coordinator, European Parliament
- Cristina Mastre, S&D, European Parliament
- Maria Grapini, S&D, European Parliament
