Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)

Why does Ireland as a producer of internationally renowned foodstuffs need labelling? The case of winter beef finishers, of whom I used to be one, should be considered. Last year most producers lost approximately €100 per head. The best case scenario for this winter is a maximum gross margin of €50 per head, which is unsustainable. European food production is highly regulated to guarantee premium foodstuffs. This is the correct model of food production but it is only sustainable if the product price allows a margin for the producer. Only clear labelling informing the consumer of the standards of production in regard to hormone usage, veterinary medicine usage, inputs, including the usage of GM crops, and animal welfare standards can ensure a premium price for a premium product. That underpins the sustainability of food production. No other producing bloc achieves the same standards of food production as Europe, otherwise food for European producers and consumers would be fraught with dangers. Europe must ensure this supply.

In 1900 the world's population was 1.5 billion whereas today it is more than 6 billion and it is projected to be 20 billion by 2050. At this time, it would be folly for Europe to compromise its agriculture industry in any way. No threat to food security can be tolerated and Europe must err on the side of caution. If there is a risk from any source, the food industry must be protected. The greatest risk currently is Brazilian beef and it should be banned immediately. I welcome today's decision by the EU Commission regarding the importation of Herculex maize for feed. This will allow EU farmers to use the 2006 feed in their units. Unfortunately, this has all been traded by now and this decision will have a limited impact on the current high prices. There is a problem with the 2007 crop, which is almost fully harvested, because it contains two new GM crops, which are not approved by the EU. GM technologies are outpacing the approval systems. This begs the question of whether the Government will abstain on this occasion again or adopt a proactive position to facilitate EU farmers.

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