Farmers won’t hold their breath waiting for a better share of what EU consumers spend on food, even if European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan has claimed progress on this issue, in the form of the Slovak EU Presidency securing unanimous Council of Agriculture Ministers conclusions on strengthening the position of farmers, with Ministers also signing up to greater transparency on margins and prices, and agreeing clearer ways to achieve farmer co-operation.

European authorities must work to find the right balance in protecting environmental and food security interests, said MEP Sean Kelly.