Ireland and France agree strategy for EU talks

FRANCE and Ireland have agreed a number of common strategic targets from forthcoming EU talks on agriculture and fisheries policies.

Following a meeting in Paris, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and his French counterpart Bruno Le Maire have agreed both of their interests are best served by a more simple, flexible Common Agriculture Policy (CAP). In terms of the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), both ministers are agreed upon the core issues of transferability of quotas and the question of discards.

Mr Coveney said: “I am happy that this meeting forges an even closer understanding with my French counterpart Bruno Le Maire. I will continue to take every opportunity to ensure that Ireland’s concerns are fully understood and that alliances are strengthened in the run-up to these negotiations.”

Meanwhile, Mr Coveney praised a joint initiative launched in the Irish Embassy in Paris by Enterprise Ireland, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, and the Embassy to increase Ireland’s share of horse-breeding, equine and related markets in France.

Ireland has one of the strongest thoroughbred clusters in the world. The country is the third largest breeder of thoroughbreds globally and consistently produces some of the finest horses, jockeys and trainers. The industry is a leading foreign-exchange earner for Ireland. It is estimated that it employs some 17,300 people, directly and in ancillary businesses. It is worth €1bn annually to the economy.

Leading figures from the equine industry were in Paris over the weekend for the Prix de L’Arc race. They met with Baron Edouard de Rothschild, president of France Galop, as well as leading French breeders, sales administrators, bloodstock agents, trainers and representatives of the French thoroughbred community.

Speaking from Paris, Mr Coveney said: “The small and medium-sized Irish companies presenting here are making significant inroads in France where racing and related activities enjoy massive popularity. This is a great opportunity for Irish thoroughbred marketing to attract further French owners and breeders to Ireland, as well as increasing horse exports to France.”

The minister also hosted a forum on behalf of Bord Bia for key French customers of Irish beef.