Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) president Francie Gorman has met with agriculture ministers from two EU member states in his role as a vice-president of Copa Cogeca.

A delegation from Copa Cogeca, which represents EU farm organisations and agricultural co-operatives, met with the agriculture ministers from both Cyprus and Bulgaria in Luxembourg yesterday (Monday, June 22).

The meeting coincides with a meeting of agriculture ministers in the Council of the EU taking place over the course of yesterday and today (Tuesday, June 23).

The meeting also comes as Ireland prepares to take over from Cyprus in the presidency of the council from July 1.

During Ireland's presidency, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon will be chairing meetings of agriculture ministers.

Copa said that the meeting between its vice-president Gorman and the Cypriot and Bulgarian ministers was "an opportunity to highlight farmers' and...co-operatives' positions on the main topics of the agenda of ministers".

According to Copa, these include the need for a strong Common Agricultural Policy with a budget adapted for inflation; a quick implementation of the recently announced Fertiliser Action Plan proposed by the European Commission; and "necessary fair trade" that benefits all.

Copa Cogeca acknowledged Cypriot minister, Maria Panayiotou, and her role in chairing agriculture ministers' meetings during Cyprus' presidency of the council, saying she actively considered Copa Cogeca's perspectives on various issues.

"We look forward to welcoming the Irish presidency, as we need to continue work to address and act on the numerous challenges facing the agriculture sector," the EU farm organisations said.

Council meeting

The future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 is the key topic of discussion in the meetings of agricultural ministers this week.

The reform of rules on protecting animals in transport - which could have far-reaching consequences for the live trade - is also part of the agenda.

The meetings this week are attended on Ireland's behalf by Minister Heydon, and Minister of State for fisheries Timmy Dooley.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Heydon said: "As the next presidency, Ireland is conscious of the responsibility that will come to us shortly. We will seek to build on the work of Cyprus, and to approach our presidency in a spirit of partnership, listening and cooperation.

"Ireland's presidency will be guided by a clear objective at council to support farming and fishing families; protect incomes; strengthen competiveness; sustain rural and coastal communities' and strike the right balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability," he added.