This meeting of the Departments and Agencies of Agriculture and Fisheries is held periodically due to its interest and usefulness in strengthening collaboration between the Departments and Agencies with the central agencies of the Department. The Agencies have a dual, functional relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food. (MAPA) and is organized with the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Public Service , which necessitates mechanisms that enhance coordination and governance.

Relevant topics within the scope of the MAPA's competence were discussed, such as the status of the CAP reform process and the preparatory work for the future CAP Strategic Plan 2021-2027 , highlighting that it is currently open to reforms, and that participation in the process of developing and designing the content is being encouraged, through the submission of contributions to a mailbox enabled on the MAPA website. We invited attendees to share this information and participate by contributing their knowledge and constructive criticism.

The Subdirectorate General for Sanitary Agreements and Border Control addressed the new phytosanitary border control regulations , which provide greater harmonization with specific standards and improve transparency for operators and third countries.

Antonio Martínez, from the INE , explained the innovative 2020 agricultural census project, which is being updated to include more variables, using a modular structure and adjusting deadlines to meet regulatory requirements and obtain higher-quality information.

There was also talk about the environmental regulations on livestock farms , presenting the Guide to Best Available Techniques to reduce the environmental impact of greenhouse gases and soil pollution caused by this activity, as it plays an important role in the economic and social fabric of rural areas.

The Deputy Director General of Rural Development reported on the pilot program of Regional Antennas of the National Rural Network This will facilitate the exchange of information to and from the region, supporting the work already underway. She presented the Centrally Managed Financial Instrument , which facilitates access to credit for beneficiaries of Rural Development Programs . She announced the calls for multiregional training grants, which seek to update and strengthen professional skills, and grants for women's associations .

The second day of the meeting began with a roundtable discussion comprised of representatives from MAPA and the Ministry of Territorial Policy and Public Service to discuss the coordination between the two ministries regarding civil servants in the various areas and departments and their future plans .

The General Directorate of Cadastre detailed the work being done by peripheral services within the framework of provincial expropriation juries ; and the Forest Policy Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (MAPA) delved into the coordination of resources (primarily aerial) for extinguishing large forest fires, as well as providing assistance for those affected by adverse weather conditions and restoration plans.

The SG of International Relations and Community Affairs commented on the evolution, implications and possible consequences of the Brexit , considering the different ways in which it can be implemented and its relationship with the agri-food sector, considering that 9% of the United Kingdom's imports come from Spain, and the Common Agricultural Policy budget.

Gonzalo Eiriz and Isabel Sánchez, from the Department of Analysis, Coordination, and Statistics, report on the implementation of Royal Decree-Law 11/2011, which addresses urgent measures to mitigate damage caused by storms and other disasters , how to apply it, and specific cases.

Finally, the news was raised Mediterranean fisheries regulations , as well as various aspects related to inspection tasks and how the MAPA addresses Member States' obligations. The implementation model for the Fishing Effort Management Plan for Bottom Trawling, which the General Secretariat for Fisheries has been working on in recent months, was presented. This model seeks to implement the Multiannual Plan for Demersal Species in the Western Mediterranean , published last July, in our Mediterranean fishing grounds.

Isabel Bombal expressed her gratitude for the work and collaboration of the peripheral services and emphasized their important role. She also urged continued fluid communication between both parties , in order to directly and critically understand the problems and benefits of the various policies and to be able to implement them or propose solutions.

This event was organized by the SG of Analysis, Coordination and Statistics of the MAPA and the RRN to highlight the work carried out by the Department's peripheral services in the eighth edition of coordination with the Areas and Dependencies of Agriculture and Fisheries, held on November 12 and 13 at the Ministry's headquarters.

The presentations used during this event will soon be accessible at this link and in the topics section.