A deal has been reached at EU level to bring in new rules on plant reproductive material in an attempt to modernise regulations that have been in place since the 1960s.

The new rules, which have been agreed by negotiators from the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, aim to increase agri-biodiversity, support conservation and locally adapted varieties; and provide flexibility for breeders and other professional operators.

The rules will also look to ensure that plant reproductive material placed on the EU market is of "high and reliable quality", a statement from the council said.

The new regulations will replace several existing sector-specific directives with a "single, harmonised regulation to create a more flexible, innovation-friendly and environmentally-resilient system".

Among the changes set to come in, the new rules will create a simpler and clearer set of rules across the EU, "ensuring a level playing field".

They are also intended to support scientific and technological progress in the area of plant reproduction.

As well as that, the new regulation will, the council said, reduce administrative burden for competent authorities in member states.

Promoting food and feed security, and protecting plant genetic resources, are also aims of the regulation.

The changes being proposed will "ensure more practical and less burdensome approaches both for national authorities and professional operators".

Under the rules, examining new varieties for their value for sustainable cultivation and use will remain mandatory for agricultural plants and potatoes.

The provisional agreement between the council and parliament will have to be formally approved by both institutions.

However, it will only begin to apply four years after it comes into force.

Council of the EU

Ireland's presidency of the Council of the EU is fast approaching, with the six-month term set to begin on July 1.

Ireland will take over from Cyprus.

Heading into the presidency, an event was held last week in Dublin Castle to mark the start of Ireland's term, involving a meeting of the highest-ranking members from around the EU of a key advisory committee to the EU institutions.

The European Economic and Social Committee's (EESC's) top members, from several EU member states, met in Dublin Castle last Wednesday (June 10).

The EESC is made up of representatives of employers, workers and civil society groups across the EU. Its president is Ireland's Séamus Boland, former CEO of Irish Rural Link.

Speaking at the event, Ireland's Minister of State for European affairs has defended what he called Ireland's "old school" understanding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Minister Thomas Byrne said that the CAP is about food production and "retaining small farmers".