The European Commission has appointed Mr Lars Hoelgaard to the post of Deputy Director General for Agriculture, in charge of the Directorates responsible for the implementation of policies on agriculture markets, communication, quality and institutional relationships. This post is key in the development and implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy.

Mr Hoelgaard, Commission official of Danish nationality, 57, joined the Commission in 1989 as Director of "Quality and Health" (Public, Animal and Plant Health) in DG Agriculture. He was Director for "Markets in crop products" from 1997 to mid 2002, before moving to the post of Director for "Markets in livestock products, specialised crops and wines". He was acting Deputy Director General from July to December 2002 and since October 2003 has been Head of the Task Force for the implementation of CAP reform. The date of effect of the appointment will be set at a later stage.