Ireland has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July until 31 December, placing competitive and sustainable farming as a key priority for its agenda.

Throughout this six-month tenure, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will focus on measures to support farming and fishing families, safeguard incomes, enhance competitiveness, and ensure the long-term sustainability of rural and coastal communities. The Presidency aims to strike an appropriate balance between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability, including food security, competitiveness, regulatory simplification, and other themes.

Livestock farming is also expected to feature prominently in Council discussions. The Irish Presidency considers the sector to remain vital to European agriculture and rural communities through its contribution to food production, land management, and the rural economy. Ministers will examine the future of livestock production while recognising the diversity of farming systems and regional conditions across the European Union. Furthermore, discussions will consider how the sector can continue to deliver economic and social benefits while simultaneously responding to climate and environmental challenges.

Animal welfare will remain at the forefront of these discussions, with the Presidency maintaining that future standards must be underpinned by scientific and technical evidence, while simultaneously accounting for the practical experience and best practices developed by Member States.