Nicosia seeks compromise on EU pesticide policy

The sustainable use of pesticide regulation in the EU will be among the topics discussed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers Council, which is taking place in Luxembourg on June 26-27.

Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Petros Xenophontos, is travelling to Luxembourg to participate in the Council's works, a ministry press release said.

The regulation regarding the sustainable use of plant protection products within the EU has sparked reactions among Cypriot farmers and led to protests last week, against the Commission's proposal to ban the use of pesticides in Natura areas.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that it largely shares the concerns of agricultural organisations and aims, through consultation and transparency, to find a compromise solution that ensures food security and sustainable production in the primary sector.

According to the press release, the Council will also hold discussions on the Common Fisheries Policy, fishing opportunities for 2024, as well as agricultural issues related to trade and current legislative proposals. Within the framework of the Council, efforts will be made to approve the conclusions regarding the package of measures proposed by the Commission for fisheries policy, with the aim of creating a sustainable, resilient, and competitive fisheries and aquaculture sector.

During an informal lunch, Ministers will discuss the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027.

Subsequently, Xenophontos will travel to Rome, where he will participate in the 5th Ministerial Conference between the African Union and the EU on Agriculture, as well as the Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).