Minister of Agriculture confident with the balance in the CAP negotiations

The Minister of Agriculture chaired the informal meeting of EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers at the Belém Cultural Centre in Lisbon. The meeting was on "Innovation, Food Systems, and Natural Resource Management".

"Research, development, and innovation will play a fundamental part in increasing productivity and efficiency, as well as a more sustainable natural resource management. In this field, I highlight the various lines of action we need to reinforce, the role of the circular economy, fighting waste, reducing phytopharmaceuticals, and sustainable water use", as said by Maria do Céu Antunes at the press conference.

Although it wasn’t part of the items on this informal meeting’s agenda, Maria do Céu Antunes clarified that reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was also discussed, albeit informally.

The Minister underlined that the contacts to arrive at a political agreement never ceased and said that next week, which will lead to a super-trialogue, will be intense, namely with work with the European Parliament.

"I believe that in terms of negotiations we will find a balance between the two co-legislators, with the European Commission’s support. I am certain we will reach an agreement at the Council of Ministers on 28 and 29 June, in Luxembourg", she remarked.

The professor and researcher Elvira Fortunato gave a speech before the informal meeting on the subject for discussion.