Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she is satisfied that the CAP reform agreement which is expected to form a basis for the WTO poses a serious threat to the agricultural sector here and throughout the EU with particular reference to self sufficiency, security of supply and high standards in traceability, hygiene and husbandry in the food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40574/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as it is constituted at present following the major reforms agreed in 2003, provides a sound basis for the continued sustainable development of the agri-food sector in Ireland and throughout the EU.

The European model of agriculture, which is enshrined in the CAP, is based on maintaining competitive, multifunctional and sustainable farming dispersed throughout the Union. One of the core principles of the CAP is to ensure the availability of supply. The EU also ensures the highest standards of hygiene and traceability throughout the food chain through a range of food safety, consumer protection, veterinary and environmental legislation and other requirements. These standards feature within the overall cross compliance system upon which the Single Farm Payment system is dependent. These policies are, and will continue to be, supported by substantial funding for the CAP and rural development. Funding for the period to 2013 was agreed in the decision on the EU's Financial Perspective, 2007-3013, at the European Council in December 2005.

I am also satisfied that the CAP as it has evolved following successive reforms is the basis for the EU's negotiating mandate, as agreed by the Council of Ministers, for the current WTO negotiations. The EU mandate provides that the terms of a new WTO agreement will not undermine CAP reform or require a further reform of the CAP. I fully support the EU position. In addition to ensuring that an adequate level of support and protection for EU agriculture can continue into the future, I will be seeking to ensure that non-trade concerns are fully taken into account in the WTO negotiations. The additional costs incurred by EU producers in meeting EU food safety, animal welfare, traceability and environmental standards must be recognised in a new agreement.