Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo attended the Agri-Fish Council that aimed at reaching a common approach on the new Common Agricultural Policy. The Council started on Monday the 19th of October and ended in the early hours of Wednesday 21st.
Minister Refalo engaged in lengthy negotiations and various discussions with the Presidency, the European Commission and other member states. This was pivotal in reaching an agreement on the long-awaited general approach.
Whilst managing to keep in line with the ambitions laid down by the Commission in the green deal, the Maltese delegation ensured that the interests of small farmers continue to be safeguarded through simplified control systems. This issue was voiced very strongly by Minister Refalo in the early hours of this morning upon receipt of the initial compromise text.
Through Malta’s intervention in conjunction with likeminded member states, the environmental efforts under pillar II will now also be taken into consideration in the ringfencing calculations for eco schemes. This means that farmers will have greater flexibility in meeting the greening obligations.
Furthermore, Malta managed to secure ad hoc derogation in keeping the status quo for sectors benefiting under the voluntary coupled support and in ensuring the recognition of Malta’s agricultural realities in ensuring that there is no discrimination linked to where agricultural land is located.
The compromise text also includes an increase in support for producer organisations. This issue was voiced by Malta in numerous meetings and is seen as a step in the right direction in incentivising the formation of producer organisations in Malta.
By reaching a common approach, the Presidency now has a mandate to enter into discussions with Parliament.
