The End of Milk Quotas; Visits to Northern Ireland and Luxembourg; Forum for the Future of Agriculture - Main contents

Without a doubt the most important date for the European agricultural sector this week is Tuesday March 31st, specifically when the clock strikes midnight. This moment marked the end of the Milk Quota system in the EU that has been in place for the past 31 years. This moment ushers in a new era free of production constraints and harbours enormous potential for the European dairy market. Of course this new era brings with it challenges such as the threat of volatility.

This week was full to the brim with events, provided an opportunity to meet with senior politicians and stakeholders in Northern Ireland, Luxembourg and Brussels, and of course perhaps most significantly, the historic end to the Milk Quota System on midnight of March 31st.

Without a doubt the most important date for myself and for the European agricultural sector this week is Tuesday March 31st, specifically when the clock strikes midnight. This moment marked the end of the Milk Quota system in the EU that has been in place for the past 31 years. This moment ushers in a new era free of production constraints and harbours enormous potential for the European dairy market. Of course this new era brings with it challenges such as the threat of volatility. To address the concerns of producers and suppliers who feel threatened by this new era, the CAP provides Direct Payments to producers which act as a safety net against volatility. Additionally, there is the option open to member states of providing voluntary coupled support to farmers in areas of natural constraint, mountainous regions and outermost regions. Also, the Milk Market Observatory is there to monitor trends and provide accurate and objective information to actors in the market. It is my intention to further strengthen the MMO in coming months.

I have no doubt in my mind that we are moving into a new era for the European dairy sector. I firmly believe that this new phase will help drive growth and jobs in the dairy sector, which by their nature will bring prosperity to rural areas and a stronger Europe for all as a result.

Following last week's trip to Finland, I travelled to Northern Ireland on Friday. My first stop a meeting with NI Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle O'Neill MLA. Afterwards I met with the Agriculture Committee of the NI Assembly and then went on to have a series of productive meetings with stakeholders in the EU offices in Belfast. I had a very cordial meeting with the Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network, which is convened thanks to funding from the LEADER programme under the EU RDP. The voice of women in rural matters at all levels in Northern Ireland should be heard, we had a very beneficial discussion on the issues and needs of this underrepresented group. Later that evening I travelled to Warrenpoint where I had the opportunity to speak at the Annual Dinner of the Ulster Farmers' Union. I elaborated on the huge potential that Northern Ireland has within the global context of agri-food production. EU funding is also working towards the rural development of the region where it will deliver jobs and growth. I also had the opportunity to discuss the new initiative between the European Commission and the European Investment Bank which I detailed last week and highlighted how exactly such an initiative can drive investment into the Northern farming sector.

Whilst in the North, I also felt it my duty to warn of the threat that fuel launderers has on the global reputation of Irish food production at a time when its production potential is significantly rising on the global market. Discarding effluent is a reprehensible activity that needs to be stopped and I have pledged to discuss the matter with my colleague Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.

This Monday I travelled to Luxembourg for my first official visit to the Grand Duchy. I was warmly welcomed by the Minister for Agriculture Fernand Etgen and I also had the pleasure of meeting with the Agriculture Committee of the Chambre of Deputies. Meeting Luxembourgish agricultural members of parliament and stakeholders face to face is a fantastic opportunity to get first-hand accounts of the issues and concerns with regard to agriculture and rural development.. I ended my day with a visit to a local dairy farm where I tasted some of the local milk and met with farmers and stakeholders from the Luxembourgish farm sector.

Tuesday morning was an opportunity to take part in the 8th annual Forum for the Future of Agriculture. With only six months until the review of the status of the Millennium Development Goals by the United Nations, Tuesday's forum was in keeping with the theme of the MDG's with Food Security as a new momentum for European agriculture. Alongside Ren Wang, Assistant Director General for the Food and Agriculture Organisations of the United Nations, I presented the key note address in the first segment of the day on Food Security. As I highlighted in my speech, there is an estimated 11% of the global population in chronic food insecurity. Europe has a responsibility to reduce this number. How can we do this? I have stated time and again that a more sustainable, and productive approach to agricultural practices is key to achieving this. We also need to focus on better research and innovation with regard to European and global agricultural practice. A deepening of our knowledge base will lead to greater resource efficiency and a sustainable food industry that can thrive globally.

I'm looking forward to next week which offers my first official visit to Portugal on a two day trip that promises some interesting meetings. In the meantime, I wish you all a very happy Easter!