Intensive sector holds Strasbourg talks with Commissioner Fischer-Boel
13 December 2007
A high level delegation representing the Northern Ireland Grain trade, Poultry, Red Meat and Pig sectors travelled to Strasbourg this week, to meet with European Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boel.
Kenneth Sharkey, Robin Irvine, Eric Reid and Keith Smyton were part of the delegation for this high level meeting sponsored jointly by MEPs Jim Allister and Jim Nicholson. The context for the meeting was rising feed costs, but a wide range of issues were raised with the Commissioner on behalf of the sectors represented.
Jim Allister MEP said,
“The intensive sectors have been hit badly by rising feed costs in recent months. We were keen that the Commissioner could hear at first hand the issues affecting these sectors. The delegation put forward robust cases for action which the Commissioner could take to improve the situation.”
“One of the messages given was that Europe must speed up its GMO approvals process, and put an end to zero tolerance, or risk decimating livestock production in Europe. Of course, the need for a level playing field for the Northern Ireland industry was also stressed, including the need to act decisively against Brazilian imports which continue to fail to meet EU production standards, while undercutting local produce.
I am hopeful that the Commissioner will give her backing to making some inroads on the Brazilian issue.”
“The delegation was proactive in suggesting a number of key recommendations to be taken forward by the Commissioner. Firstly, A Pig Industry Development Scheme, to assist with the transition taking place within the pig sector was raised. The need for more transparent labelling of meat at retail food service levels, and indeed the case for redefining the definition of ‘fresh’ poultry meat were put forward robustly. Discussions were also had on matters pertaining to the CAP Health Check, such as the failure of decoupling to recoup additional costs for the primary producer.”
ENDS
