Brussels, 04/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - In order to survive, the common agricultural policy (CAP) must become sustainable, be updated and protect the European agrifood model. Such is the conclusion reached by European economic and social advisers during the debate on agriculture, on Wednesday 28 April, attended by Commissioner Dacian Cioloº.
Recalling what he had said when addressing the European Parliament - namely that details for reform of CAP should be presented by November (EUROPE 10124) - Cioloº said: “We need a more transparent system so that the taxpayers understand what they are paying for. But the support of small-scale farms must continue as these farms create jobs in Europe's regions”.
Speaking on behalf of the Employers Group, José Maria Espuny Moyano of Spain underlined that “sustainability is a prerequisite for the survival of the European agrifood model. Due to its crucial importance, it must be considered as a matter of strategic interest for Europe”. The agrifood model aims to provide healthy and safe food while promoting high quality production and taking account of social and environmental considerations and the long term sustainability of the sector, the EESC (European Economic and Social Committee) notes in a press release. With a view to improving the EU's agrifood products, the EESC suggests that procedures linked to geographical origin should be simplified, without this being detrimental to quality. Given that one third of food warnings in the internal market originate outside the EU, the EESC presses for more stringent controls to keep substandard products off EU territory. In the opinion by Espuny Moyano, the EESC calls for action to promote the EU agrifood model in international forums like the WTO and the FAO, and to secure global acceptance of its sustainability rules.
Furthermore, the EESC recommends in the opinion by Carlos Trías Pinto (Various Interests, Spain) that there be clearer labelling and better use of information and communication technologies. The rapporteur underlines that this could steer consumers towards goods produced in line with social, environmental, health, safety and animal welfare criteria, an EESC press release states. For further information: Barbara.gessler@eesc.europa.eu (G.B./transl.jl)