On 28 and 29 September, Ģirts Krūmiņš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), is participating in the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union in Brussels, where Member States are discussing the conditions, control mechanisms and implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027. It is expected that, at the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in October, Member States could reach a partial general approach at Council level on the new CAP for 2028–2034.
At the meeting, Ģirts Krūmiņš stressed the need to ensure sufficient flexibility for Member States, allowing them to choose measures that best correspond to the specific circumstances and agricultural structure of each country, while also taking into account the possibilities offered by the proposed budget. In Latvia’s view, several outstanding issues still need to be resolved in order to reach the envisaged agreement. One of Latvia’s key requirements is to ensure that support reaches those farmers who genuinely need it for agricultural production.
With regard to the implementation of environmental and climate objectives, Latvia also believes that Member States should retain the voluntary option to develop and implement transition measures themselves, in line with their specific needs and the national climate targets already established. Latvia also opposes the establishment of a mandatory body or function for data interoperability. A more flexible approach should be found, allowing Member States to choose the most appropriate solution for CAP data management and, in order to reduce costs, to make use of existing structures wherever possible.
During the discussion on the future of the CAP, Ģirts Krūmiņš stressed that investment conditions must also take into account the specific circumstances of Member States. Latvia is facing excessive moisture and intense rainfall, and therefore EU investment support should be available for drainage and water-level management in order to reduce the risk of flooding and strengthen the resilience of the agricultural sector.
The Council also discussed the current market situation in the EU, which remains challenging both in Latvia and in other Member States. Although the market is generally stable, several agricultural sectors across the EU continue to face falling prices for agricultural products and a significant increase in production costs, including in Latvia. While most EU countries were affected by extreme drought this summer, Latvia experienced prolonged rainfall and storms. As a result, farmers across the EU have suffered significant losses, and a substantial decline in both crop yields and quality is expected.
Member States therefore called on the European Commission to continue closely monitoring developments in agricultural markets, mobilise available instruments to support the agricultural sector both now and in the longer term, and develop EU-level solutions to expand insurance and reinsurance opportunities and improve water resource management.
