Tánaiste says strength of agri base must be respected in future talks

DUE account must be taken when the world trade talks resume of Europe’s case to retain its agricultural production base to meet the future demands of its population for food, feed and bio-energy.

That’s the view of Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, who also stressed at Iverk Show in Co Kilkenny that it is important for Europe to be in a position at the same time to assist the least developed countries to meet their growing food needs.

“We must also maintain the objectives the EU has set itself in terms of the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Model of Agriculture.

“CAP reforms have made European agriculture more competitive, better prepared for globalisation, more compliant with food safety requirements, more environmentally sustainable and more conscious of animal welfare requirements.

“All of these outcomes show the multi-faceted nature of the CAP and highlight that European agricultural policy is designed to deliver much more than economic benefits to society. This needs to be preserved,” she said.

“The Tánaiste said it is not possible to predict precisely where the WTO will go from here — although the US, Indian and European Parliament elections, together with the appointment of a new European Commission next year, would suggest a significant gap in proceedings,” she said.

Ms Coughlan recalled Ireland was not happy with what was on the table in agriculture in the Geneva talks which failed to reach agreement.

“At the end of the day nothing concrete emerged on these and, unfortunately, they remained prospects and promises.

“We firmly defended our agriculture interests and also sought the best advantage for our industry and services,” she said.