Fairness in trade, a correct use of biotechnology and increased generic milk promotion at EU level will play a key role in the further development of the dairy sector throughout Europe, according to the EDA.
Representatives of the European dairy industry, policymakers, scientists and other stakeholders gathered at the annual EDA’s World Dairy Forum, held this year in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
Discussions were held on three topics important for the European dairy landscape: ‘Retailers, the other participants in the dairy supply chain’, ‘Biotechnology: innovations creating opportunities and challenges for the dairy sector’ and ‘Generic Promotion: working on the positioning of EU dairy products’.
Roman Schneider, Luxembourg’s minister of agriculture, and Astrid Lulling, MEP from Luxembourg, kicked off the Forum by stressing the need to create the right conditions for an efficient dairy market post 2015.
In a lively discussion, delagates recognised the need for a code of principles against unfair practices in trade, stressing upon the fact that the development of such a voluntary ‘code’ should remain the effort of a well-structured cooperation between various stakeholders.
Alain Galaski, director general of the European Brands Association (AIM), spoke about a multi-stakeholder dialogue on good and fair practices that was initiated earlier this year, as part of the Commission’s High Level Forum for a Better Functioning of the Food Supply Chain.
Marc Jansen, director CBL (Dutch Food Retailers Association), speaking on behalf of Eurocommerce, referred to the multi-stakeholder dialogue as a means of cooperation which will create value and benefit for all parties. Anna Maria Corazza Bildt, MEP from Sweden, confirmed the general demand for dialogue between all partners in the dairy supply chain and spoke about the recent vote of the Single Market Act, which aims to promote growth in the EU by internal market completion and reducing red tape for business.
Delegates agreed with the observation that the application of biotechnology with animal based food products, albeit still controversial, can help to increase milk production sustainably and safely, but that regulation of the technology remains difficult at this stage. Any technological innovation in the food business needs to take food safety into account.
In the final session, speakers illustrated recent initiatives on generic promotion of dairy products by regulators and industry alike, developments which are increasingly important for the prospects of the European dairy sector. The campaign ‘Milk, Nutritious by Nature’, coordinated by the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) European Milk Forum, will be the first multi-country generic milk information campaign in Europe, and is set to begin before the end of 2011.
EDA secretary general, Joop Kleibeuker, said: “The European dairy industry is a strong advocate of a dialogue between all stakeholders in the dairy supply chain, so that we can add value to our products and meet the higher demand for dairy products in a responsible, sustainable way. Conferences such as the World Dairy Forum put all partners around the table and enable a constructive discussion between stakeholders with different views.”
Source: EDA
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