The EU Commission published its decision ‘on the composition of the Civil Dialogue groups dealing with matters covered by the CAP’.

The overall objective of the Commission was to enhance the performance of those groups and to better adapt the structure to the new CAP.

The number of advisory groups has been reduced greatly to 13.

After intense lobbying by ICOS and others, dairy retained its own specific group, and ICOS will continue to be the Irish lead on this group sending experts to deal with Irish dairy issues when it convenes.

All other existing advisory groups in the field of animal products have been merged into one single group, which ICOS feels is totally unworkable (Inc. Beef, lamb, pork, honey etc.).

The new set up should be valid for the next seven years.