Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), the Ibec group that represents the food sector, has welcomed the appointment of Phil Hogan as the new European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.
FDII Director, Paul Kelly said: “The agri-food sector is Ireland's most important indigenous sector accounting for 230,000 jobs and €10 billion in exports. Decisions at a European level will have a crucial role to play in the success of the sector into the future.
"In his new role it is crucial that the Commissioner defends the CAP budget and supports balanced trade agreements, which takes account of the unique role of the agri-food sector in the economy.”
Kelly added that it is important that the competitiveness of the sector is improved, along with support for sustainable production systems and international recognition of EU quality and safety standards.
"One immediate issue is the impact of the current Russia food embargo on several EU agri-food sectors, most notably from an Irish perspective dairy and meat," he said. "Mr Hogan will need to ensure that EU market supports continue to be deployed, to avoid the undermining of market returns and commodity prices."
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Emily Horne
