Baltic agriculture ministers agree on joint requirements for EU Common Agricultural Policy from 2028 onwards

RIGA - The Baltic agriculture ministers on Friday signed a joint declaration expressing the Baltic countries' opinion on the European Commission's vision of farming and food in Europe, putting forward joint requirements for the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2028 onwards.

The declaration was signed by Latvian Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze (Greens/Farmers), Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Ignas Hofmanas and Estonian Regional Affairs and Agriculture Minister Hendrik Johannes Terras.

Krauze told the media that the Baltic ministers discussed the future of the CAP, the current geopolitical situation, and continued food production and food self-sufficiency in the EU.

The ministers also discussed an issue raised by the Estonian minister regarding food security in the event of a crisis and how the Baltic countries could provide food for residents and the army in the event of a military conflict.

The ministers agreed to set up an expert group to coordinate the Baltic countries on issues related to food production in times of crisis and to decide whether it is possible for each country to concentrate on the production of certain individual products, said Krauze.

Once the experts agree on a common vision, the Baltic agriculture ministers will sign a memorandum, which could happen at the next regular meeting of the three ministers, which will be held in Estonia.

The Lithuanian agriculture minister told the media that the ministers had agreed to exchange information more actively and possibly involve other Nordic countries.

The current situation regarding the spread of foot-and-mouth disease was also discussed and the ministers agreed that the veterinary services of the Baltic countries would continue to exchange information and monitor the situation, and take appropriate measures as the disease approaches the borders of the Baltic countries.

Terras proposed that tourists arriving in the Baltics from countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease should sign a declaration that they have not visited farms and have not been in contact with potentially infected animals.

Krauze said that he was planning to discuss the proposal with the State Border Guard and other authorities.

In the declaration, the ministers also agree that rural populations are important from a security point of view, and that it is therefore important to strengthen economic activity along the borders with Russia and Belarus.

The Baltic countries are calling on the European Commission to provide additional CAP funding to member countries that are facing the greatest difficulties in the regions, given the geopolitical situation and their proximity to Russia and Belarus.

The declaration says that the Baltic ministers' want the CAP to equalize direct payments to farmers from 2028, which is crucial to support and stabilize agricultural incomes at farm level.