The Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh and his counterpart in the North, Ian Pearson MP, had discussions this morning on animal health issues and implementation of the recent Common Agricultural Pact reforms.
On animal health, the ministers reviewed the paper produced by both administrations reporting progress towards the development of co-ordinated animal health strategies for the Island.
Mr Walsh and Mr Pearson also discussed their respective approaches to the implementation of the CAP reform process and the major challenges that lay ahead for the industry.
Mr Pearson indicated he expected to announce a decision on the implementation arrangements in Northern Ireland within a matter of weeks.
After the meeting, the ministers said they had agreed to establish a joint working group to consider cross-compliance issues arising from implementation of CAP reform.
