Allister speaks in food quality debate
11 March 2009
Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament on food quality, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister majored on the need to right the competitive imbalance which costly compliance with EU regulation placed on the European producer. In the face of competition from imports, he said our superior quality was not enough in itself and hence CAP funding was essential.
Mr Allister said:-
"Quality food is not an aspiration in Europe, it must continue as a reality, but its production requires a fair and competitive return. Our agricultural producers must be able to earn enough to cover the extra costs generated by EU food safety, animal welfare and environmental requirements. When faced with cheap and inferior imports, the competitive advantage which quality should give is often not enough. Hence, the role which needs to be played by CAP funding in keeping our producers competitive. That has to be the quid pro quo for meeting the higher costs imposed by EU regulation."
The MEP also raised again the issue of supermarket domination of the market and said:-
"Could I also deplore the continuing exploitation of producers by the major distributors who now dominate the European food markets. Their abuse of their position of dominance continues, with producers exploited at every turn, even to the point of having to pay for their promotions."
