Federal Minister Aigner visited the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

The British Secretary of State for Agriculture Caroline Spelman welcomes Ilse Aigner, Source: British Ministry of Agriculture

At the centre of her visit were talks with Caroline Spelman, the British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Brendan Smith, the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. The talks focused on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Europe after 2013.

"The talks I held with my counterparts are important to me in order to know about, and understand, the situation in the other European Member States, to define differences and common ground in our positions and then work together to develop a concept for future agricultural policy. What is clear is that at the end of the day we need a compromise that is acceptable for everyone," said Aigner. "Having good relations and dialogue with our European partner countries is important to me, as this is a prerequisite for making the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy fit for the future."

The Irish Minister of Agriculture Brendan Smith talking to Ilse Aigner, Source: Irish Ministry of Agriculture / Fennell

Minister Aigner said that the European Union would be facing some key decisions regarding the future course of the Common Agricultural Policy in the years to come. She went on to say that European farmers would have to be more market-orientated than in the past. They need to operate sustainably and become more competitive. However, farmers' incomes must continue to be stabilised via direct payments, in order, for example, to cushion the impact of market risks.

"Regarding the further development of the CAP, we are currently still at the opinion-forming stage and it is crucial at this stage to have close dialogue. Our experience shows that, with mutual understanding and an open and friendly exchange of opinion, you are often half-way towards reaching an agreement," Aigner stated. "I am pleased that I could discuss the current agricultural policy issues with my counterparts and get an impression of the situation in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland."