Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-06-12-Speech-2-034"
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"en.20010612.3.2-034"2
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"Mr President, in relation to BSE, dioxins and concern about the safety of GM foods, this House has been vigilant and responsive to consumer concerns. In this regard I compliment Commissioner Byrne – who is responsible for this specific area – and Commissioner Fischler. I also extend my compliments to Mr Whitehead on the thoroughness of his report.
The publication of the Commission White Paper on food safety and the proposed establishment of a European Food Authority marks a new era in food production. From now on every link in the food chain will become an integral part of the production process. The end result should put beyond doubt the quality and safety of all food products, and provide the assurances consumers have been seeking and to which they are entitled. Europe has a rapidly growing food sector. The process of adding value to basic agricultural products is supplying consumers with a wide range of quality food. New research in this area will contribute significantly to its future development.
As employment in the processing sector continues to increase, this welcome development contrasts sharply with the serious decline in family farming and the reluctance of young people to take up farming as a career. You may say that this point is not relevant to this debate, but I put it to the House that unless we can ensure the conformity, viability and profitability of the production base of Europe's food sector, we are unlikely to reach the standards to which we aspire. In this regard the unique role of farmers as guarantors of food security and quality is far too often taken for granted. The Commission proposals concerning the development of food legislation and food safety are positive. In order to ensure food safety, the whole food chain must be flawless and its supervision comprehensive. I fully agree that food must be traceable through all stages of the food chain, from farm to table.
In conclusion, in our anxiety to safeguard the consumer interest – our main objective – we must also ensure that agriculture is allowed to benefit from the advances in modern technology."@en1
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