Gildernew meets EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA today met with the new EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos.

The meeting, which was held in London, focused on three key European issues which are of strategic significance for agriculture locally. They include CAP EU budget negotiations, the Mercosur talks and the DARD SFP disallowance.

Speaking afterwards Ms Gildernew said: "This was an extremely useful first meeting and of crucial importance in ensuring our voice is heard clearly by the key decision makers in the European institutions. I have been very keen to meet Commissioner Ciolas at the first opportunity. I am very glad that I have been able to meet him today and set out my Department’s objectives and concerns over CAP Disallowance face to face. I now want to follow this up with a more detailed paper setting out our position on CAP issues and to have a subsequent discussion with the Commissioner later in the year.

"I wish him every success in his new role and look forward to working with him in the future."

In conclusion the Minister added: "Today’s meeting was the first of two meetings which I am having with EU Commissioners over the next couple of days. I will also be meeting Commissioner Damanaki in Brussels to highlight and discuss our needs and concerns."

Notes to editors:

1. Farming Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today met with the new EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos in London.
2. All media queries to DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.