The future of the common agricultural policy after 2027, regulatory simplification and the need to safeguard the competitiveness of European agriculture were central to discussions at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) meeting in Luxembourg. Minister Stefan Krajewski, who led the Polish delegation, stressed the need for a more flexible CAP, less red tape and a level playing field for farmers on the international market. Baltic Sea fishing quotas for 2027 were also agreed at the meeting. The Minister was accompanied by Undersecretary of State Adam Nowak.

The future of the common agricultural policy (CAP) after 2027 and Baltic Sea fishing quotas are the key topics at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) meeting taking place in Luxembourg on 26-27 October. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski is taking part in talks on the direction of EU agricultural policy and is also helping to shape the position of countries in the region at a meeting of Visegrad Group (V4) agriculture ministers. Undersecretary of State Adam Nowak is also attending the Council meeting.

Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski met in Paris with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty of France Annie Genevard. The major subjects of the meeting were the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, in particular, the general approach to the Regulation establishing the framework for EU support in this regard, and the situation related to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. The talks were held on the occasion of the Polish Minister's participation in the SIAL International Food Fair.

As many as 323 exhibitors from Poland present their offer at the SIAL international food fair in Paris, strengthening the position of the Polish agri-food sector on foreign markets. Poland is among the top ten countries in terms of the exhibition space being occupied. A special place for the promotion of domestic products is the record-breaking national stand prepared by the National Support Centre for Agriculture (KOWR), where 70 companies present their offer. The fair was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Stefan Krajewski, who met with Polish producers and entrepreneurs and talked about the potential of Polish food and the opportunities for the further development of its export.

We are pleased to announce that Katarzyna Malicka - a woman farmer and leader from Warmia - has been awarded as one of the 100 most influential women in agriculture. The award was granted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in Rome. The initiative is related to the celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

Today, Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Poland Luca Franchetti Pardo. The most important subject of the meeting was Polish-Italian trade in agri-food products. The issues to be discussed at the upcoming EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg were also raised. They also discussed the key challenges facing the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

The development of economic contacts and the presentation of the Polish food producers' offer were important elements of the three-day visit paid to Podlasie by the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Poland. On 9-11 October, the representatives of the diplomatic corps learned about the activities of Podlasie enterprises, including the Mlekovita Dairy Cooperative, and the opportunities for cooperation with the Polish agri-food sector. The foreign guests were greeted in Białystok by Minister Stefan Krajewski.

Today, Secretary of State Adam Nowak attended the session of the Ministers of Agriculture of the Visegrad Group with the participation of Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia and Italy - as a special guest (V4+4+IT). During the session, the most important issues for Central Europe in the area of agriculture were discussed, among others, the shape of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, crisis management in agriculture and combating unfair trade practices. Also, strategic joint declarations of the countries of the enlarged Visegrad Group were signed.

Today, Secretary of State Jacek Czerniak met with the Ambassador of Sudan to Poland Ilham Ibrahim Ahmed (based in Berlin) to discuss the possibilities of intensifying agricultural cooperation and increasing the presence of Polish agri-food products on the Sudanese market.

The future of the Common Agricultural Policy, the situation on agricultural markets and the availability of fertilisers were the major topics of the first day of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels. Poland was represented by Deputy Minister Jacek Czerniak. Poland supported, among others, greater flexibility of the future CAP and wider possibilities of supporting farmers in crisis situations.