EPP Agriculture Ministers, chaired by Sari Essayah, Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, gathered today in Brussels to exchange views ahead of the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH). The Ministers also welcomed the newly appointed Hungarian Minister, Szabolcs Bóna to the EPP family.
Discussions focused on a united response to the European Commission’s Fertiliser Action Plan ahead of the upcoming Agriculture Council. Ministers underlined the severe pressure on European farmers caused by soaring fertiliser and fuel costs linked to ongoing geopolitical instability, and welcomed the Commission’s commitment to increase crisis support funding and introduce greater flexibility within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in order to deliver concrete short-term measures.
A strong consensus emerged on the need for the rapid implementation of support measures, the simplification of rules governing recycled nutrients such as manure, and the strengthening of Europe’s strategic autonomy in fertiliser production and agricultural inputs.
Ministers also stressed that the long-term viability of European agriculture depends on improved access to innovation, investment in decarbonisation, and greater security of supply, while warning against imposing additional regulatory burdens on farmers.
They concluded that farmers must be equipped with the necessary tools to continue producing affordable, high-quality food, underlining that Europe’s food security—an essential pillar of its overall resilience and defence—begins with a strong and competitive agricultural sector.



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