I will be representing the United Kingdom at this month's Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.

The Presidency will seek political agreements on a multi-annual plan for cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Government of Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland.

The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on a policy to reduce unwanted by-catches and eliminate discards in European fisheries.

The Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the Commission's report on cross-compliance. The report forms the first stage of the Commission's review of cross compliance with planned implementation of at least some measures by the end of 2007. It deals with administrative issues such as inspection and enforcement arrangements.

The Presidency will seek political agreement on a number of agricultural items on the agenda: establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets which replaces the existing 21 sector-specific Common Market Organisations into a single Regulation; reform of the fruit and vegetable sector; and (possibly) organic production and labelling of organic products.

A number of issues, as follows, will be raised under any other business:

The Commissioner for Fisheries will make a presentation on fishing opportunities for 2008.

Denmark will request Council discussion on fixing tariffs and quotas for sandeel in 2007.

The United Kingdom will request discussion of a Proposal on drift nets.

The Presidency will make a presentation on the Potsdam Conference of Directors on EU Paying Agencies.

New member states will request Council discussion on the issue of phasing in cross compliance and direct payments.

The Agriculture Commissioner will give an update on the WTO agricultural negotiations.

The Presidency will make a presentation on the placing of plant protection products on the market and the sustainable use of pesticides.