Ireland will take a central role in European agricultural and fisheries policy this week as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon chairs the September Agrifish Council meeting in Brussels. The two-day meeting will address the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, food security, fertiliser supply and support for Europe’s fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The press release was published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on 28 September 2026, during Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Agrifish Council discussions focus on the future of farming
Minister Heydon is seeking progress on the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with an ambition to secure a partial general approach by the end of October. Such an agreement would establish the main policy terms while financial questions remain linked to negotiations on the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework.
Ireland’s Presidency is working towards a CAP that is:
- Adequately funded and practical for farmers and national administrations
- Capable of supporting viable farm incomes and food security
- Aligned with environmental sustainability objectives
- Flexible enough to reflect different national farming systems
- Supportive of strong rural communities
The Council will also examine the agricultural market situation, including the continuing impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotskyi, is due to brief EU agriculture ministers on the pressures facing Ukrainian farms and food networks.
Fertiliser Action Plan also on the agenda
Ministers will exchange views on the Fertiliser Action Plan and consider how its longer-term measures should be implemented. Fertiliser availability and affordability remain important issues for farmers, farm businesses and European food production.
Fisheries policy and ocean support to be examined
The second day of the meeting will focus on fisheries. Ministers are expected to make substantial progress towards a partial general approach on rules governing EU support for the Common Fisheries Policy, maritime policy, aquaculture and the Ocean Pact for 2028–2034.
Discussions will also cover proposed amendments to the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The fund is a key mechanism for supporting sustainable fisheries, coastal communities, aquaculture and the wider blue economy.
EU ministers will further consider upcoming fishing-opportunity negotiations with the United Kingdom, Norway and other coastal states. These talks are important for managing shared stocks and providing certainty for fishing communities.
Ireland’s role during the EU Presidency
Minister Heydon said Ireland would continue working with all Member States to ensure the needs of the fishing sector are recognised and that an effective framework of support is developed. The discussions may also be of interest to agencies and stakeholders involved in rural development, marine policy and food production, including Bord Bia, the Marine Institute and Fáilte Ireland.
What the Agrifish Council meeting means
The Council’s deliberations could shape the direction of EU farming and fisheries policy for the years ahead. For Ireland, priorities include protecting farm incomes, maintaining food security, supporting environmental action and ensuring that coastal communities have access to workable funding programmes.
Further negotiations will be required before final agreements are reached, particularly on the financial elements of the next EU budget. However, progress at the September meeting would represent an important step towards defining the future policy framework.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
