EU Agricultural Ministers have agreed to proposals on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

It follows 2-days of intense talks in Brussels, chaired by the Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney.

Just two member states did not sign up to the negotiating package with Slovenia and Slovakia opting out.

Speaking to the Irish Times after the talks broke up Minister Coveney said the agreement is a "significant step forward" in CAP reform.

Whilst the President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) John Bryan said the proposals contained "important flexibilities for Ireland" on issues like aproximation and greening. But he stressed than thousands of farmers will still lose money from their Single Farm Payment.

The deal will now have to be finalised by the EU Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, with an agreement set to be reached by June.