Exploratory discussions have also been initiated with some Latin American countries. The full potential of these agreements for your industry has yet to materialise. We have agreed on the principle of regionalization in the animal health field, which means that in case of disease outbreaks such as Newcastle disease, you are still allowed to export your products originating from the disease-free regions. The USA, however, has not yet implemented this principle, notably for Classical Swine Fever. In terms of trade liberalisation, results are still not visible enough.
Equivalence has until now only been reached for a small number of sectors.
With the US and Canada no equivalence has been reached yet for any of the sectors in the poultry area. In fact, US imports are as of today still suspended, but we know there is a significant export potential. I have also been asked to speak to you about animal welfare issues. Animal welfare, as you may well be aware, is a subject of increasing concern amongst European consumers. More than once, I have had representatives in the food industry attack such concerns and the Commission s efforts to improve animal welfare standards.