Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-10-21-Speech-2-135"
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"en.20031021.5.2-135"2
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"Mr President, I would like to address one particular aspect of the draft general budget for 2004 in so far as it relates to the work of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, of which I am a member. I should also like to compliment Mr Mulder on his work.
In relation to agricultural expenditure, I fully agree that more emphasis must be placed on the environment, food safety, traceability, animal welfare and consumer information. All these aspects will come to the fore even more in the coming years through the recently-reformed common agricultural policy. Our consumers expect European agriculture to deliver on these multifunctional aspects, and our farmers are prepared to do this. We know that there are extra costs involved vis-à-vis our trading partners, but it is a price the European taxpayer is prepared to pay for peace of mind. This is what we mean when we refer to the European model of agriculture and rural development. It is well worth defending, particularly in the context of the WTO.
Animal welfare is an area that concerns all in the sector. To those colleagues who are seeking to eliminate export refunds for live cattle, I would ask them again to consider the trade implications of what they are suggesting. The proper forum for dealing with this issue is the WTO, where the EU must ensure that there is a level playing field. 'Unilateral trade disarmament' is unacceptable. We cannot stop supporting our farmers while the Americans and others continue with their export-enhancing schemes.
I am as interested in animal welfare as the next man, as indeed are all farmers, and all those involved in the live export trade. It is in the financial interests of the producer and the exporter that the animals arrive in tip-top condition. There will always be demand for live cattle exports. If we in Europe do not take up market opportunities in the Middle East and elsewhere, our competitors from Australia and New Zealand will ship their animals half way around the world to meet that particular demand."@en1
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