Commissioner Cioloş in Spain: "We need an extensive public debate for a reformed, better tailored CAP"
The new Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Dacian Cioloş has taken his first official trip in his new capacity to Spain – the country that holds the Presidency of the EU Council for the first half of the year.
Commissioner Cioloş met the Minister of Environment, Rural and Marine Environment, Mrs. Elena Espinosa Mangana. They discussed various issues, in particular the future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013, competitiveness of the agro-food industry, the future strategy EU 2020 and the priorities of the Spanish Presidency in the agricultural field.
"The European Union needs a better tailored, reformed Common Agricultural Policy, to answer the challenges of food security, growth and jobs in rural areas. The European agriculture must address the demands of the market and the expectations of society concerning public goods, the environment and climate change. For this, I will launch an extensive debate with the member states and all stakeholders across the EU" declared Commissioner Cioloş.
"The Common Agricultural Policy should be part of the debate on the future of Europe in the context of the 2020 Strategy. This is going to be one of the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council", stated Minister Espinosa Mangana.
During the day, Commissioner Cioloş also visited an olive oil cooperative and grove in Mora, where he had discussions with the representatives of the agricultural and food sectors. He stressed the importance of high quality European agricultural products and the necessity to launch a more dynamic, concerted European policy to promote them.
