– Food security, is one of the main messages of the Polish presidency. It is very important for society and for consumers, and farmers play a key role European here. Farmers can respond to the challenges of the times, but they must have the right conditions created for this – Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Ministers also discussed the potential simplification of certain elements of the common agricultural policy (CAP), with particular focus on the annual performance clearance procedure and mandatory environmental and climate measures (‘green architecture’).

'The Polish presidency will work on simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy. The goal should be to make life easier for farmers and reduce the administrative burden. We also talked today about simplifying the CAP clearance procedure, and there is clear support from ministers in this regard.', said Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development

Following a presentation from the Commission, ministers exchanged views on two recently published legislative proposals that aim to strengthen the position of farmers in the agri-food supply chain and respond to some of the most pressing challenges that the agricultural sector faces. Member States expressed their support for the goals of the new proposals. The Polish Presidency will aim to make as much progress as possible on these acts during the next six months.

'The position of farmers in the food chain is difficult - they have no influence on either the prices of inputs or the prices of their good. Today we held an important discussion on the regulations proposed by the European Commission on this very issue. The regulations are crucial for farmers, as they aim to improve their position in the chain and improve competitiveness, and income and market stability', said Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The first AGRIFISH meeting chaired by Polish Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was an opportunity to promote apples – symbol of the Polish presidency.

– Apples are a symbol of the success of Polish fruit farming. They are also a symbol of the export successes of the Polish agri-food industry during the 20 years of Poland's presence in the European Union. The apples with which we offered in Brussels and which will accompany us during all meetings organized as part of the Polish presidency are Grójec apples. They are registered as a Protected Geographical Indication, a mark of the highest quality – Minister Czesław Siekierski stressed.

More information about the main results is available on the website of the Council of the European Union.

For more information on the Polish presidency, visit the website.