‘EU agri co-ops leading the way with eco-friendly techniques’
Cogeca president, Christian Pees, said the co-ops produce quality food in a sustainable and resource efficient way, creating jobs and new business opportunities, mostly in EU rural areas.
Recent examples of environmentally-friendly techniques include investments to integrate renewable energy in the agri-food production process, and extensive bio-economy applications through the use of by-products and recycling.
“Agri-co-operatives, totalling 38,000 in the EU, play a key role in rural economies.
“They help farmers better market their produce and get a higher price for them, boosting growth and jobs in the green economy.
“They are committed to the principle that co-operatives work for the sustainable development of the communities through policies approved by their members,” he said.
Mr Pees said the co-ops have stepped up support to achieve this and adapted their strategies to help the long -term economic sustainability and development of rural communities.
“But in order to maximise their potential, more investment is needed so that agri-food co-operatives are better integrated in the food chain. Farmers’ positioning in the food chain must be strengthened to have better functioning markets, without unfair trading practices” he said.
