The Ministers of Agriculture of the EU confirmed their strong commitment to the necessity for the promoting of measures through the new Common Agricultural Policy to adapt to climate change. Water scarcity and land abandonment linked to adverse climate conditions were in the centre of the discussion at the Informal Agriculture Council which was held on the 11th of September 2012 in Nicosia.

The Informal Agriculture Council which took place in Cyprus from 9-11 September 2012 was concluded today. The main issue of discussion was the effort for conserving Europe’s potential for the sustainable production of food and public goods.

During the Press Conference that followed the Informal Council the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Sofoclis Aletraris stated: "At today’s meeting the strong commitment of the Member States to the necessity of taking concrete measures to adapt to climate change was reconfirmed".

The consequences of climate change

The EU agriculture ministers during their stay in Cyprus had the opportunity to experience the outcomes of climate change and recognize the significant effort made to avoid land abandonment, environmental degradation and gradual desertification. Of course, similar problems of environmental degradation exist all over the European Union.

The discussion was based on a working document prepared by the Cyprus Presidency. During the debate the ministers submitted their suggestions on the possible measures improving water management and soil protection in order to help farmers adapt to climate change.

Yesterday the EU agriculture ministers had the opportunity to visit areas in Limassol which show signs of land abandonment due to climate change. They also visited Kourris water reservoir, which is a significant water management project in Cyprus.