The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, has said that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU worked towards achieving a balanced text on organic farming, following the agreement reached by EU member states on a common negotiating mandate with the European Parliament to update the rules on organic production and product labelling.
The agreement was reached on Monday within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and concerns the definition of the Council’s position ahead of negotiations with the European Parliament on the revision of the relevant regulatory framework.
In a statement, Panayiotou said that the Cyprus Presidency worked methodically to achieve a balanced text that simplifies procedures without undermining high European standards. She added that the text will serve as the basis for the Council’s position in the upcoming negotiations with the European Parliament.
The Minister further stated that organic farming is a strategic pillar for European food systems, biodiversity, and rural areas.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, the new rules aim to simplify and clarify procedures for producers and competent authorities, while maintaining quality standards and the credibility of the EU organic logo.
The Ministry described the agreement as an important step within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency, as it establishes the negotiating framework for promoting organic farming in Europe.