Ministers of agriculture exchanged views among others on agri-market situation, especially the Ukrainian grain export, fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, and the fight against food waste at their meeting in Luxembourg on 23-24th October.
The European Commission stressed the need to strengthen the Solidarity-lanes, in order to support the Ukrainian economy. However, according to the frontline Member States the situation on agricultural markets is still under heavy pressure due the low purchase prices and the lack of storage capacity. State Secretary Zsolt Feldman, thus stressed the importance of improving the functioning of the Solidarity Lanes and restoring their original purpose. He added that Ukrainian agricultural products should return to their traditional export markets and reach the third countries in need. The State Secretary stressed the need for such a solution on Ukrainian grain imports, which takes into consideration the interest of farmers both in frontline Member States and in Ukraine.
Ministers were informed on the tools against food waste and food loss included in the Commission’s proposal amending the Waste Framework Directive.
Ministers also agreed on the applicable fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2024.
