Brussels, 26/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - On Friday the European Commission severely criticised the French Agriculture Minister, Jean Glavany, for asking French operators to stop importing meat so that French surplus meat can be used up. A spokesperson for Commissioner Franz Fischler said this was surprising since the problem was not limited to France and a Community problem required Community solutions (France has already been authorised to help its beef industry after the fall in beef crises following the various food health scares).
Mr Glavany made his comments on Wednesday, hoping that companies would not buy from abroad for a few days, weeks, or even months as an act of civic duty. Despite the 23 measures announced by the government last week, farmers in east and west France are continuing to take action against beef processing companies, abattoirs, purchasing centres and beef imports from Germany.