Benefits of CAP reform must be protected in trade deals

The need to ensure that the benefit achieved for European agriculture in the Common Agricultural Policy reform will not be eroded in any future international trade discussions has been highlighted in the Dáil Chamber.

Agriculture, Food and the Marine Minister Simon Coveney said in a written reply to Deputy Bernard J Durkan that as a small open economy dependent on trade, Ireland favours ambitious and balanced trade agreements.

“We have a number of offensive interests in the current negotiations that are taking place with Japan, India, Vietnam, Thailand and, of course, the United States.