EU will not lower standards, says Phil Hogan
He said the EU has significant agriculture interests in many of the trade deals currently being negotiated, including with Japan and Vietnam, and in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
He said he will not compromise on EU food quality or traceability standards, and that this principle will be adhered to by all the European commissioners and will be fully reflected in negotiations with the US.
Mr Hogan said worldwide demand for high-quality food is set to rise in the coming years, particularly in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. Every year until 2030, more than 150m people will be entering the global middle class. A huge growth in disposable income will result in significant changes to dietary patterns, with a consequent rise in demand for high-quality traceable foods.
“This is why I am ambitiously pursuing new markets for our high-quality traceable European products,” said Mr Hogan.
