Spain and the United Kingdom strengthen their strategic alliance in the fishing and agri-food sectors

 

Minister Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Luis Planas, has met in Barcelona with the minister of Estado de Seguridad Alimentaria y Desarrollo Rural de Reino Unido, Angela Eagleto strengthen bilateral cooperation in fisheries and agricultural trade, ensuring regulatory stability after the Brexit.

 

Stability and predictability in the fishing sector

 

During the meeting, both delegations highlighted the excellent state of relations between the Unión Europea and the Reino Unido in the area of ​​fisheries. The extension of the negotiations relating to access to water It has been identified as a key factor in providing certainty to the fleet. For the third consecutive year, agreements have been reached before the start of the Consejo de Ministros de Pesca in December, eliminating the operational uncertainties that affected the sector in previous years.

 

Likewise, Luis Planas y Angela Eagle They have agreed on the need to move towards the implementation of Multi-year Total Allowable Catches (TACs)This technical approach to jointly managed species seeks to promote more effective planning. efficient, predictable and sustainable of long-term extractive activity.

 

Agri-food leadership and trade balance

 

In the area of ​​foreign trade, the Reino Unido remains as the priority strategic partner all with España outside the European Union. Currently, the British market is the main destination for Spanish agri-food exports outside the EU. Unión Europea, presenting a trade balance favorable to national interests.

 

The following are the key points of the bilateral relationship analyzed during the meeting:

 

Scope of Cooperation	Milestones and Strategic Objectives
Fishing Sector	Agreements reached before December; stability in access to water.
Resource management	Proposal for the implementation of multi-year CT scans for greater predictability.
Foreign Trade	Reino Unido It is the leading agricultural export destination of España out of the UE.
Innovation (NTG)	Collaboration on New Genomic Techniques for Climate Resilience.

 

Innovation and New Genomic Techniques (NTG)

 

A highlight of the meeting was the interest of the delegation of Reino Unido in strengthening collaboration with España in the field of New Genomic Techniques (NTG). The minister Luis Planas has defended these tools as key elements to guarantee the food safety global.

 

As the head of AgriculturaThe development of plants and seeds using these techniques allows for better adaptation to the effects of climate changeproviding farmers and ranchers with greater resilience to current environmental challenges.

 

• Safety: Guarantee of food supply through cutting-edge technology.
• Resilience: Crops more resistant to droughts and temperature variations.
• Sustainability: Resource optimization in agricultural production.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Spain-United Kingdom trade relationship

 

What is the current status of fishing agreements?

The relationship is going through a period of stability thanks to the extension of access to waters and the signing of agreements prior to the December Council, which avoids uncertainty for the Spanish and European fishing sector.

 

How important is the British market for the Spanish agri-food sector?

It is the key strategic partner outside of the Unión Europeaconsolidating its position as the leading destination for exports from España with a highly positive trade balance.

 

What is the purpose of the New Genomic Techniques mentioned by the ministers?

They are essential scientific tools for developing crops that are more resistant to climate change, ensuring agricultural productivity and food security in the face of environmental challenges.