Allister hosts grain trade delegation
07 July 2008
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has met with representatives from NIGTA, along with the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), the leading UK trade association in the agrisupply industry.
The MEP commented after the meeting:
“I had a useful exchange with NIGTA and AIC about a number of issues with relevance to the UK feed industry. I am very mindful of the present context of high feed costs, which is being largely driven by a much reduced availability of maize and soya which can meet overly stringent EU requirements. Both the zero tolerance approach to non-approved GM varieties, and the slow approval process for new varieties is causing huge difficulties for our livestock-based agricultural sectors, difficulties which are set to intensify in the coming months.”
“Discussions were also had regarding European proposals to add unworkable labelling requirements on the EU feed sector. A Report by German MEP Graefe zu Baringdorf could compel feed companies to divulge ration information which at present is subject to intellectual property controls.”
“I am mindful that the end to the current zero tolerance, towards a ‘technical solution’ of 0.1% is being discussed in Europe at present. It is clear such a proposal would only act as an interim measure, while more leeway will be required to enable market conditions to operate normally. Today’s update from the grain trade will prove useful as these matters continue to progress in Europe.”
ENDS
