The current state of European dairying and pig farming will be given “constant attention” throughout the next six months, according to the EU presidency priorities announced by the Netherlands, who took over the EU leadership role on January 1, 2016.
The Netherlands presidency will also address the tackling of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including the holding of a ministerial conference on the issue.
“Agriculture and fisheries are vital to the European economy and to global food security,” it is stated in the Netherlands’ official presidency programme. “The world faces the challenge of having to feed at least nine billion people by 2050.”
Key presidency pledges include:
- To hold an exchange of views on member states’ experience with the most recent Common Agricultural Policy reform with a view to the future of the CAP after 2020.
- To urge the Commission to take action in the shorter term to simplify the CAP to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burden on farmers.
- Current market conditions in a number of sectors, including dairy and pig farming, are cause for concern and will have our constant attention.
- To address the tackling of antimicrobial resistance. A One Health approach is needed, with closer cooperation between health and agriculture ministers. The Netherlands presidency will organise a ministerial conference on this issue.