Cyprus is positive but concerned over targets for the reduction of pesticide use, said Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos, during the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting held in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, during the presentation by the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council on the progress report regarding the proposal for a Regulation on the Rational Use of Plant Protection Products, Xenophontos said that Cyprus has concerns, but also a positive approach towards the objective of reducing the use of pesticides or plant protection products and the establishment of binding targets, and called on the Commission to contribute to the adoption of a functional legislative framework. Xenophontos stressed that there are strong concerns and reactions regarding the areas designated as sensitive, and added that it would be important to redefine the bans, as they risked the abandonment of agricultural activities, which would negatively affect the countryside, mountain areas and biodiversity. As he pointed out, in the case of Cyprus the percentage of agricultural land affected is 79%. The Minister called for more flexibility at a national level, noting that the circumstances and capacities of each member state should be taken into account. Regarding the obligation to apply integrated pest management, the Minister of Agriculture said that granting a derogation for small farms would reduce administrative costs for small Member States and small producers. During the discussion on fisheries issues and of the Commission's Communication on the current state of play on the Common Fisheries Policy and the consultations on fishing opportunities for next year, Xenophontos pointed out the need for a greater effort to support fisheries through the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. He also stressed the need to ensure a level playing field, particularly with third countries, and the need to fight illegal fishing. Xenophontos also pointed out that funding and investment in innovation and energy transition in fisheries should be strengthened. The second day of the Council mainly discussed trade-related agricultural issues. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining the competitiveness of the EU's agricultural sector, calling for agreements with third countries to take into account the sensitivities of member states. He also referred to the protection of Designation of Origin and Geographical Indication products, which are important for the economy and the local traditions of member states. In addition, he pointed out that the EU should promote, through trade agreements, the transition to more sustainable food systems, preserving competitiveness as well as the sustainability of the primary sector. The Council also discussed market support measures, financed from the agricultural reserve. Xenophontos reiterated the need to support the agricultural sector in all member states, noting the problems of the agricultural sector in Cyprus. He stressed the need to provide adequate and fair EU action to support the EU agricultural sector. The Swedish Presidency also provided information on the progress of negotiations on the proposal for a Regulation on geographical indications. Xenophontos highlighted the importance for Cyprus of the provision for the possibility of extending the ten-year transitional period for another five years and urged the incoming Spanish Presidency to maintain this provision in the final text, which will have to be agreed with the European Parliament. Finally, during a working lunch, Ministers exchanged views on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027 with Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
