In his first interview with the agri-press since taking over the reins of the EU Office in Belfast, Maurice Maxwell has told Farming Life that Northern Ireland's relationship with the EU remains a special one.
"This will manifest itself in the out workings of the Special Task Force which was set up following Commission President Barroso's trip to the province in May of last year," he added.
"All the various directorates within the Commission have had an i
nput into this project, which is designed to integrate Northern Ireland more fully into the European Union.
"I can confirm that a formal offer has now been made by the Commission to the Executive at Stormont, detailing possible ways by which this objective can be achieved.
"And, of course, the challenges facing agriculture in Northern Ireland have been taken on board by Brussels in putting this document together.
"As I understand it a draft response from Stormont has now been formulated, which should lead to affirmative action points being agreed in the foreseeable future."
Maurice went on to confirm that he will play a direct role in facilitating the aims of the Task Force in Northern Ireland. This will be in addition to his day-to-day challenge of communicating and explaining the workings of the EU to the entire community in Northern Ireland.
"I have no formal background in agriculture" he further explained.
"However, I am fully aware of just how important the industry is to the local economy.
"I am a firm believer in learning on the hoof. My first priority is to meet with industry leaders and I will be doing exactly that over the coming weeks and months."
Maurice Maxwell takes over the job of heading up the EU's delegation in Belfast following a 25-year career with the European Commission, five of which was spent representing Brussels in Australia and New Zealand. During his time in Wellington, he developed close working relationships with many food industry leaders in that part of the world. A native of Lisburn, he is a chartered accountant by profession. His arrival in Belfast coincides with the push by European Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel to secure a deal on the Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy. Maurice Maxwell has also confirmed to Farming Life that Mrs Fischer Boel will visit Northern Ireland during May 2009. She last visited the province officially in 2007.
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