Council debates single CMO regulation

On 16 July, the EU's agriculture ministers met in Brussels for a policy debate on a proposal for a regulation aimed at establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, also known as the "single CMO regulation". This is one of four main texts currently under debate in the framework of the reform of the Common Agricultural policy (CAP).

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The single CMO proposal lays down traditional tools for stabilizing the EU agricultural markets, such as public intervention, private storage and export refunds used in case of crises. However, it also proposes exceptional/emergency measures and aid to specific sectors. On 16 July, ministers focused on new proposals for exceptional support measures that might be taken in the event of market disturbances or animal diseases and loss of consumer confidence in the case of a food safety crisis.

There was broad support within the Council for the proposed exceptional support measures.

On the market disturbance provision, the need was expressed for a clear definition of what constituted a crisis or more reassurance that these measures would only be used in truly exceptional situations. There was majority support for extending the scope of this provision to all sectors.

As regards measures concerning animal diseases and loss of consumer confidence, the Presidency text amending the Commission proposal met with broad satisfaction.

Concluding today's debate, the presidency announced that the debate on the CAP reform would be continued at the Council's next meeting in September.

The other reform proposals presented as part of the CAP reform package in October 2011 relate to direct payments to farmers, support for rural development, and the financing of the CAP.

More information:
Single CMO Regulation (pdf)
Press release (pdf)
Public deliberation (video)
Press conference (video)