The Council meets in the Agriculture Sector in order to make decisions on cooperation in areas including animal and plant health; research, innovation and bioeconomy; climate change and biodiversity; farm safety; and rural development.
The work programme for the Agriculture Sector is below.
1. Animal and Plant Health, Policy and Research
- Policy on the range of animal and plant health and welfare issues.
- Operational aspects of such policies and of associated research (where applicable).
2. Research, Innovation and Bioeconomy
- Support collaboration for research and innovation funding through co-funding initiatives, EU funding structures, and the US – Ireland R&D Partnership
- Engagement on R&I policy and infrastructure matters
- Engagement and collaboration on bio-economy matters.
3. Climate Change and Biodiversity issues relating to the Agriculture Sector
- Engagement on ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions
- Co-operation on the development of a fertiliser register
- Sustainable Biomethane production.
4. Farm Safety
- Support the work of the ‘North South Farm Safety Group’ to promote and improve farm safety across the island of Ireland.
5. Rural Development
- Exchange information on experience and best practice in both jurisdictions in relation to rural development
- Explore the potential for increased co-operation in the implementation of rural development programmes, where appropriate
- Examine the scope for cross-border research into rural development issues.