– At the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, we will mainly talk about the agricultural policy post-2027. We want it to strengthen farmers’ incomes, ensure food security and build the competitiveness of European agriculture – announced the Minister.

Support post-2027

 One of the major topics will be the form of income support for farmers post-2027.

– We want key decisions regarding support to remain at the level of Member States so that they can be made at home – said the Minister.

Pressure of costs and prices

 The Ministers will also discuss the current situation on agricultural markets and potential measures at EU level. The Member States expect decisions regarding support in view of rising costs of production.

– We will focus on the difficult situation on the markets, rising prices of fertilisers and fuels, which raise the costs of production while, at the same time, the prices of agricultural products are low – indicated Stefan Krajewski.

As he pointed out, the problem concerned the entire European Union and needed a response at Community level.

– The situation is difficult not only in Poland, but in virtually all Member States. We are awaiting the European Commission’s proposals concerning potential measures and support for farmers – he added.

EU-Mercosur agreement

The Minister also referred to Poland’s actions as regards the EU-Mercosur agreement. The Government is preparing a complaint to the Court of Justice of the EU, indicating, among others, the manner of proceeding with the agreement.

– We are lodging a complaint with the CJEU. In our opinion, the EC went beyond the negotiating framework granted by the Council as regards the procedure for the Mercosur agreement – stressed Stefan Krajewski.

Poland also indicates the need to ensure a level playing field for farmers and to protect the market against the influx of products manufactured under other standards.

– We need to protect consumers and farmers. Production in Mercosur countries takes place under different conditions, so mirror clauses and protection of sensitive products are necessary – highlighted the Minister.

Meetings in Luxembourg

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister will attend the meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture of the European People’s Party and will meet with the Minister of Agriculture of the Czech Republic Martin Šebestyán.