Mariann Fischer-Boel has confirmed she is to step down as EU Agriculture Commissioner when the current commission finishes its term later this year. Reports from Brussels indicate that the Dane has informed commission president José Manuel Barrosso of her intention to leave. Mr Barrosso had been anxious for Ms Fischer-Boel to remain in the farm portfolio for another five-year term, but she has decided to call time on her Brussels career. While Ms Fischer-Boel has insisted that she had enjoyed her term in farming, she said the role was "demanding". The position is likely to become even more demanding over the next five years as the renegotiation of the full CAP package takes centre stage ahead of 2013.
With the agriculture portfolio now up for grabs, pressure on the Government to pitch for the post is likely to gather pace. Farmer representatives have warned that the CAP framework up to 2020 will be settled by forthcoming budget negotiations and argue that having an Irish commissioner in place would be beneficial
http://www.independent.ie/farming/fischerboel--calls-time-on-brussels-career-1886285.html
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