Luis Planas urges the European Union to strengthen support for the agricultural and fishing sectors.

 

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, louis planes, has stressed the need for the European Union strengthen its support for the agricultural and fishing sectors, which are strategic for citizens and the economy. Agri-food production plays a vital role in today's international context: having quality, sustainable food in sufficient quantity, as well as a first-rate economic asset thanks to the exports.

 

After the sectoral conferences on agriculture and fishing attended by regional ministers, Planas chaired the advisory councils on agricultural and fishing policy for community affairs prior to the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the European Union (EU) of the next May 26.

 

Planas has reiterated that a Common Agricultural Policy is necessary in the EU (CAP) and a Common Fisheries Policy (PPC) “stable, strong, and adequately funded” so that farmers, ranchers, and fishermen have the necessary tools to become increasingly sustainable, while also being profitable and ensuring food security for the population.

 

In this regard, Planas will insist to the European Commission that the post-2027 CAP must have its own legal and institutional identity, and with sufficient financial resources to meet the sector's current obligations.

 

Regarding tariffs, the minister stressed that we are facing a new geopolitical scenario which affects the multilateralism of the international trade. From EuropeWe must, through dialogue and negotiation, reverse the imposition of new tariffs and fight against the emergence of new protectionist policies, because "they only bring poverty and threaten the well-being of citizens."

 

The European Union is exercising its international leadership with a response that demonstrates "capacity, determination, and unity." Member States are coordinated and prepared. Spain is also demonstrating its leadership in Europe, having been the first country to enable a Commercial Response and Relaunch Plan, endowed with 14.320 billion euros to establish a safety net for companies and workers affected by the increase in tariffs.

 

Regarding the CAP simplification package that the European Commission will present, Planas noted that "it addresses many of Spain's demands, following the express reform in the spring, in response to the concerns expressed by the sector."

 

In addition, the minister briefed the councilors on the status of the wine legislative package, the ultimate goal of which is to strengthen coordination in budgetary management for the wine sector to maximize its implementation.

 

The proposal addresses key aspects for Spain, such as extending the validity of replanting permits to eight years; increasing consistency between new plantations; aid for restructuring and crisis management; and extending promotion programs in third countries to five years, among others.