MEP to fight sugar quota transfers
The transfer move is part of a radical reform of the EU sugar regime that also includes price and quota cuts, issues that are also posing challenges for Ireland in the upcoming negotiations, expected to be concluded by November.
Mairead McGuinness MEP warned that trading quotas across borders is a new departure and one which will assist in the winding down of the sugar industry, especially in peripheral regions.
However, the EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel maintains it is one of the key elements in driving the necessary restructuring of the sugar industry.
It could facilitate production moving to regions where conditions are the best and at the same time provide regions that are not competitive with an opportunity to give up their quota and invest the proceeds in alternative economically viable activities.
She noted the concerns of MEPs and was particularly interested in making the transfer subject to some control by member states and farmers and the setting up of a specific fund.
However, Avril Doyle, MEP, said sugar quota transfers would allow more competitive producer member states to buy quotas from less competitive areas, like Ireland. This would radically alter the existing pattern of sugar beet production among member states. Ireland would be very seriously affected.
Simon Coveney, MEP, said the quota transfer issue is very worrying for Ireland. It would lead to significant pressure on this country to transfer its sugar quota to regions where sugar beet can be grown at higher yields and higher sugar content.
Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said the Commission’s initial proposals, if adopted, would have serious repercussions for sugar beet growing in this country and are unacceptable.
