Ministers Say Slovenia, Bulgaria Must Boost Cooperation
Agriculture Minister Iztok Jarc and his Bulgarian counterpart Nihat Kabil discussed in Ljubljana on Monday the implementation and development of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and stressed that cooperation among the two countries in agriculture needs increase, as trade in farm products amounts to only EUR 2 to 3m per year.
Kabil said that the countries could cooperate in the environment-friendly farming. According to him, some 80% of Bulgaria's 100,000 sq kilometres of ground were suitable for this type of farming, however, they need the know-how to succeed.
Jarc told the press that the ministers agreed the EU must find compromises in the CAP to achieve coordinated implementation.
Noting that one of the issues of CAP was cross-compliance, Jarc noted that only Slovenia and Malta were carrying it out among the new member states. He believes this is because the new members believe it was connected to the amount of payments from the first pillar.
Jarc said that with cross-compliance farmers give something back to society and thus earn the money they receive. He said that one of his priorities would be that both old and new EU member states reach a common standpoint regarding the review of the CAP.
Meanwhile, Kabil said that the Slovenian presidency could build a bridge among the old and new EU members, which would benefit a compromise solution regarding ther interim review of CAP. He added that Slovenia would preside over the EU in a crucial time for CAP.
Furthermore, Bulgaria expects to complete negotiations on all programmes, including the Agenda 2000. Kabil also promised support in principle for Slovenia's proposals in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.
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