The new Irish Presidency will present its Presidency work programme including its roadmap for reaching a political agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. This will be followed by an exchange of views.

In October 2011 the Commission presented its proposals for reforming the Common Agriculture Policy after 2013 (See IP/11/1181 and MEMO/11/685).

The reform aims to make the CAP greener, fairer and more sustainable so as to guarantee European citizens healthy and quality food production, to preserve the environment and to help develop rural areas.

Among the key axes proposed are for example a better targeted income support, the conditioning of 30 per cent of direct payments to an improved use of natural resources, a more competitive and balanced food chain, agri-environmental initiatives and support measures specifically targeted at young farmers.

The Council takes place in the wake of the European Parliament Agriculture Committee vote on the reform proposals on January 19 & 20.