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Agriculture and Fisheries Council on market situation and animal welfare

During the first meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) under the Netherlands Presidency, the 28 member states took stock of the current situation in the dairy and pork markets. They also discussed creating an EU platform for animal welfare. Agriculture minister Martijn van Dam presented the priorities of the Netherlands Presidency for agriculture and fisheries.

At the meeting in Brussels various member states raised concerns about the difficult market situation, especially for dairy products and pork. Countries have the opportunity to submit proposals over the next few weeks. The subject will be discussed again at the next AGRIFISH meeting on Monday 14 March.

Animal welfare platform

Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands jointly presented a plan for an EU animal welfare platform. It will enable the exchange of experience and best practices in order to improve animal welfare standards and legislation. The plan received broad support, although a number of member states were concerned about the influence of such a platform. The European Commission will now flesh out the plan.

Presidency priorities

Finally, Mr Van Dam presented the priorities of the Netherlands Presidency for agriculture and fisheries. These revolve around the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) under the motto ‘Food of the Future – the Future of Food’. The Netherlands is also highlighting the issues of antibiotic resistance, food waste, market monitoring and the need to restore the balance between patent law and plant breeders' rights.  

 

 

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