Organic farming
Ministers were briefed by the Commission about its proposal for a review of the legal framework of organic production and farming in Europe. The proposal acknowledges that the current EU policy on organic production contains drawbacks such as complex legislation and unclear provisions or deficiencies in the control system.
Origin labelling of meat
The Council discussed a report from the Commission on the possibility of introducing a mandatory indication of the origin of meat used as an ingredient. The report offers different scenarios but the President of the Council noted that the "positions of member states on this issue are still diverging at this stage."
Sandeel management
With regard to fisheries issues the Council reached agreement on the establishment of a total allowable catch (TAC) for sandeel for 2014. A TAC on blue whiting has been included in the proposal.
Coastal States consultations on mackerel Member states also broadly welcomed the five-year arrangement for mackerel in the +orth-East Atlantic reached between the EU, +orway and the Faeroe Islands. They regretted however that Iceland is not part of the agreement.
Other items
During this session, the Council also adopted trade measures against three third countries in the context of illegal fishing activities, strengthened rules on the exchange of information on savings incomes, the roadworthiness package, rules with regard to introduction of noise-related operating restrictions at EU airports.
Source: ag-press.eu
