Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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572. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the points in the European Commission’s vision for agriculture and food that he is seeking clarification on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9507/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the publication of “A Vision for Agriculture and Food” by the European Commission on 19 February. I am pleased that the Vision underlines the strategic importance of the agri-food sector; and the contribution the sector makes to the EU priorities of competitiveness, innovation, and rural development; as well as being essential to the EU’s climate action and environmental protection objectives.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, briefly presented the Vision to the AGRIFISH Council on 24 February. In response, I welcomed the Vision’s reassertion of the Treaty provisions on agricultural production, food security, and rural development, all of which support the need to maintain CAP as a common EU policy. I also welcomed that the Vision acknowledges the importance of the family farm model and the need to support its long-term viability.

I requested clarification on a number of references in the Vision, including what is envisaged in terms of increased targeting of direct payments, and how fisheries fits into the Vision.

The Commissioner noted these queries and those of other Member States, and the Vision will be discussed in more detail at the March AGRIFISH Council. My Department will be seeking further clarification on relevant aspects in due course.

While many of the details remain to be clarified, my view is that the Vision provides a strong platform for myself and the other EU Agriculture Ministers to work collaboratively with the EU institutions to amplify the critical importance of the agri-food sector to the future security and stability of the EU as a whole.