At the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in Brussels

Luis Planas defends more environmental CAP in response to more frequent periods of drought

2019.7.15

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The rotating Finnish Presidency of the European Union presented its action priorities at the meeting, as well as its work programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries. The EU ministers debated the environmental aspects of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2021-2027.

Against this backdrop, the Spanish minister explained that Spain is currently experiencing a period of drought. A number of days in Europe with record high temperatures in June (further reducing the cereal harvest forecasts and affecting livestock farming in Spain) have been followed by others in which torrential rainfall has caused catastrophic effects in some parts of the Iberian Peninsula.

Luis Planas stressed that this type of phenomena is becoming more frequent as a result of climate change, meaning that the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2020 should have greater climate and environmental ambition in order to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Stronger conditionality, eco-schemes and environmental commitments in the direct payments and those tied to rural development, as well as a minimum environmental spending percentage throughout the CAP could be effective measures for transitioning towards agriculture that is more compatible with the environment.

MERCOSUR

The Council of EU Ministers also discussed the recent agreement reached between the European Union (EU) and MERCOSUR. The European Commission (EC) reported on the main characteristics of the agreement.

In his speech, the Spanish minister asked the EC to evaluate the possible impacts on the various sectors. He called for safeguards to be implemented wherever those impacts are negative.

While speaking to the media, the Spanish minister stressed that it is a modern and balanced agreement that should allow new markets to be opened up and, above all, a system of free trade based on rules to be consolidated. It is also an opportunity for many agri-food products and producers.

He went on to add that it is the Government of Spain's and his ministerial department's duty to help crop and livestock farmers deal with the new scenario with the right tools.

Luis Planas said that the agreement ratification process will take up to two years, which will be followed by a period of eight years for the new tariffs to come into force. This means there is plenty of time for adaptation.

Sugar

At the Council of EU Ministers, the European Commission presented a report containing the conclusions reached on the meetings held by the High-Level Group for the sugar sector. According to the Spanish minister, these meetings were a good opportunity to demonstrate that, although reduced, there are instruments in the Common Market Organisation capable of allowing producer organisations to plan production in the event of market imbalances.

Furthermore, he defended the socio-economic future of beet crops for preserving jobs and the rural environment.

African swine fever

In terms of African swine fever, Spain defended the need to remain alert and said that all measures will be adopted with the European Commission to contain, curb and eradicate the disease.

Nonetheless, progress by the disease has been limited thanks to the measures put in place by the EC and Member States.

Olive oil

Regarding the situation in the olive oil market, the Spanish minister told the media about that the high-level contacts with the European Commission (EC) to discuss the self-regulation proposal presented by the cooperatives. In this initiative, the agricultural cooperatives have consulted the EC for it to allow the temporary storage of olive oil at their facilities on a voluntary basis.

Luis Planas said that the European Commission showed a positive attitude to this initiative, although the EC Directorate-General for Agriculture needs to examine it with the Directorate-General for Competition (of the European Commission). The Spanish minister stressed that, beyond that measure, "there is a need to expand the market" for Spanish olive oil. Spain produces almost two million tonnes, while the global harvest stands at four million. "We need to better structure the sector, regulate it better and also expand the markets", said Luis Planas.

Non official translation