EDA statement on the outcome of the Agricultural Council of 14 March 2016

We strongly welcome the decision to increase the ceilings for intervention purchasing. Intervention remains the most effective mechanism for stabilising the market and consequently helping to secure cash flow to the sector. Under the current circumstances this is the best possible adaptation of existing safety net measures. Other initiatives such as examining export credits, expanding promotion funding and opening up new markets for EU agriculture will also help in the long run. We also look forward to the results of further engagement with the EIB to develop appropriate financial instruments to improve the competitiveness. We understand the growing pressure on the Commission to find solutions to this crisis. However, compromising competition law and retreating back to supply management is a serious divergence from the increasing market orientation of the EU agricultural policy.