The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon is in Strasbourg today (Tuesday, April 28) to highlight 'key Irish Presidency priorities".

Minister Heydon is meeting today with MEPs to discuss key legislative and policy priorities affecting the agri-food sector.

The countdown is underway to when Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1.

Minister Heydon said his discussions with members of the European Parliament would revolve around the key issues facing European agriculture and food systems.

"These discussions are particularly important as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year.

"Ireland is committed to working constructively with MEPs to support a sustainable, competitive and resilient agri-food sector that delivers for farmers, fishers, as well as rural and coastal communities," the minister added.

During the visit, Minister Heydon also intends to raise a range of issues, including the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), food security, environmental sustainability, and measures to support farmers’ incomes and rural communities.

Discussions will also cover the implementation of the Vision for Agriculture and Food.

Minister Heydon

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has previously highighted that the next CAP post-2027, will be a key file under negotiation during Ireland’s Presidency.

He expects that Ireland will be expected to play a "significant role" in shaping the future of CAP during its EU Presidency timeframe.

Minister Heydon has said that "ensuring that schemes are as straightforward as possible for farmers is one of my objectives".