Visiting Latvia, Commissioner Cioloş encourages the debate on the future CAP
After the opening of the exhibition AgroBalt 2010 in Vilnius, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş continued his trip in the Baltic States, visiting Latvia on 29-30 April.
On the evening of 29 April, Commissioner Cioloş visited the farm "Kaigari” in Mežotne parish of Bauska county, specialised in crop and seed farming. After the visit, the Commissioner had a working dinner with Mr. Jānis Dūklavs, the Latvian Minister of Agriculture and with representatives of the Farmers' Organizations' Cooperation Council (LOSP), the Association of Farmers' Statute Companies (LSA), theAssociation of Latvia's Agricultural Cooperatives (LLKA) and the Farmer's Parliament (ZS). The farm leaders presented the expectations of cereal and milk producers for the future, post 2013, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
"Today the EU has 27 Member States with diverse regions, cultures, types of agriculture – it is a major asset for Europe and we must make this diversity work. Before presenting a blueprint for the future Common Agricultural Policy, I am here to listen and exchange ideas on how to make our policy truly fit the new reality in Europe and fully meet the needs not only of farmers but of all European citizens ", declared Commissioner Cioloș.
The visit in Latvia continued on 30 April with a stop at the Robeznieki dairy farm in the Salacgriva region. After visiting the farm, the Commissioner met the leaders of the Latvian Agricultural Cooperatives’ Association, the Farmers Organization Cooperation Council, the Association of Agricultural Incorporated Companies and local producers, and encouraged them to contribute with their experiences to the debate on the future CAP.
