15 April 2014

2 minute read

The message was delivered by Pierre Chevalier, beefmeat working party chairman of producer organisation Copa-Cogeca in reaction to new European beef sector figures.

According to Copa statistics discussed this week, beef prices have dipped five per cent on average as costs have risen.

Furthermore, beef output and consumption are expected to decrease seven per cent compared to the 2010-12 average.

He warned that a production and consumption drop could have major repercussions and that imports would meet any gaps in the market.

“This drop in production and consumption is seriously worrying, and could cause huge social and economic losses in rural areas as the sector plays a key role for growth and jobs in these areas”, said Mr Chevalier.

His stance is that, with food demand on the rise, the EU should be producing more beef, not less and that Europe’s high production standards and lack of growth promoters disadvantage EU farmers.

Summarising Copa’s next steps, Mr Chevalier said: “The beefmeat working party will remain vigilant and uncompromising on the controls to guarantee to European consumers that the standards they value so much are respected.

“More transparency from the Commission is needed. We urge the Commission to come forward with an impact assessment on the beef sector of the trade talks between the EU and US and launch a public consultation on it before we advance any further in the negotiations.”

TheCattleSite News Desk