Brussels / Hamm (19.7.2010): The major objectives of this broad alliance which unites various groups from civil society are: food security, high quality food production, a fair distribution of the added value among the members of the food chain, sustainable food production as well as the strengthening of rural areas and their diversity.
Romuald Schaber, president of the European Milk Board (EMB) said that: “The agricultural policy has hitherto been primarily oriented towards the interests of the industry. The reform of the EU agricultural policy post 2013 should rather focus on the interests of civil society.” Producers and consumers share interests. Consumers attach great importance to high quality, locally produced products.
To meet the expectations of consumers and perform other services for the society, producers need to obtain prices for their products which cover the cost of production. Romuald Schaber explains: “It is thus important that the policy-makers create a legal framework that improves the situation and bargaining power of producers on the market.”
Furthermore the European milk production has to be adjusted to the demand of the population in Europe in terms of quality as well as volumes. Trading surpluses as standard products on the world market will result in market distortions and thus threaten the existence of producers in Europe and beyond its borders.
Please find attached the English version of the press release published by ARC that explains the overall situation. For the first time in the history of Europe more than 50 different and diverse groups agreed on common principles for a future EU agricultural policy. The civil society can continue to contribute to this process in the coming months on the ARC website www.arc2020.eu. European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos will be presented with a joint paper with proposals for a far-reaching reform in autumn.
Contact:
Romuald Schaber (DE): 0049/1603524703
Sonja Korspeter (FR, EN): 0049 1786021685
Click here for the pdf version
Click here for the press release published by ARC
Click here to access to ARC statement of principles offered to the Conference
Click here to read the speech of Dacian Ciolos (in French)
