Allister Speaks Up for Sheep sector
19 June 2008
ALLISTER SPEAKS UP FOR SHEEP SECTOR
This week the European Parliament debated the future of the sheep sector, on the basis of a report from the Agriculture Committee. Traditional Unionist MEP, Jim Allister, spoke up strongly in support of the sector, pointing out its contribution not just to agriculture but to the environmental upkeep of upland regions. Arguing that such merited a specific environment-linked payment, the MEP also called for country of origin labelling to encourage local consumption and strongly opposed the Commission's proposal for enforced electronic tagging, contending that such should be left for decision to member states.
In the course of his remarks Mr Allister said:-
"As in other sectors, I am concerned to see the EU decline in sheepmeat production, with a rising tide of imports. There are not just farm income issues here, but pertinent environmental issues, because of all farmed animals sheep probably contribute the most to natural upkeep of less fertile areas and the maintenance of biodiversity. Environmental degradation of many upland and less favoured areas will result from diminishing sheep farming. Thus, the necessity to sustain this industry and contemplate environmental-linked payments to support it.
I also believe a proper country of origin labelling regime could greatly help promote growth in the consumption of local lamb, particularly at a time of rising imports.
Finally, the Commission's foolish rush to electronic tagging will impose further costs on a sector already diminishing because of uneconomic returns. At most such tagging should be a voluntary for each member state and region."
