Food and Energy Security will be the two major challenges facing Europe in the years ahead
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, in a keynote address at a major dairy conference organised by the Irish Farmer’s Union in County Monaghan, told delegates that food and energy security would be the two major challenges facing Europe in the years ahead.
Speaking at the event Mr Nicholson said,
“Rising animal feed prices, as many of you will know, have shone the spotlight on the issue of food security for the first time in Europe since the Second World War. This issue has impacted upon many farmers in Northern Ireland. The milk lakes and Butter Mountains have all disappeared and what we are left facing now is an issue over the security of the food supply in Europe.
“Recent disputes have proven that Europe can no longer depend on or trust Russia to supply Europe’s gas and as such we must become more self reliant in this area. This will mean more diversification into alternative energy sources and a heavier reliance on new technologies and renewables. As many of you will be aware the biofuels market presents many new opportunities for the farmer, if European Governments are prepared to put the money into the research and development of this area.”
Turning to the dairy industry Mr Nicholson said,
“The upcoming CAP Health Check will pave the way for an ending of milk quotas in 2015 but this must be properly controlled and managed to give a soft landing for the industry. Over the next 12 months price levels should hold steady but it will depend on global market prices being maintained.
“At the present moment the most important thing of all is that demand is outstripping supply and I hope farmers bear this in mind – namely that they would be better off producing 10% less milk but receiving 20% more. I do hope this change will not result in rapid expansion in the Industry.
“The future developments in the World Trade Organisation talks will also bring extra pressure to bear on the industry. I believe that what our farmers and consumers need is clear labelling of origin so that consumers have a guarantee that they are buying food produced to the highest of European standards. It its time to move this issue forward.”