Members familiarised themselves with the needs of farmers in the outermost regions ahead of discussions on the future EU agricultural policy.

A delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) visited the Azores, Portugal, on an official mission from 20 to 22 July. The delegation included MEPs from the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, Portugal and Romania.

MEPs visited local farms and plantations to learn about the region's high standards of animal welfare, pasture-based production and sustainable cultivation methods. MEPs also met with political representatives of the Azores as well as with farmers’ organisations and academics. Discussions focused on the importance of agriculture to the Azorean economy, as well as on the higher production costs resulting from the islands’ insularity and remoteness. MEPs and local representatives agreed that tailored European policies and funding, such as the EU Programme of options specifically relating to remoteness and insularity (POSEI), continue to play a vital role in the islands’ economy.

Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ), Chair of the AGRI Committee, said after the visit: “Our visit underscores the European Parliament’s commitment to listening directly to farmers and regional stakeholders and to developing policies that strengthen food security and sustainable rural development across all regions of the European Union. Europe’s strength lies in its diversity, and the Azores are an integral part of our Union that deserves our continued support. We will reflect this commitment in the forthcoming negotiations on the future Multiannual Financial Framework and the Common Agricultural Policy.”

A summary of the visit will be presented to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development later in the autumn.