We have made a rigorous process of cleaning out the food-chain. We are now in a position to move forward with our plans for a less intensive and more environmentally friendly agriculture. Last month the issue of sustainable agriculture was very much in the minds of EU ministers attending the informal Agriculture Council in stersund, Sweden. The discussion revolved around the role of producers and consumers and, indeed, of society at large. It was recognised that there are real fears amongst the general public concerning the sustainability of modern agricultural methods and how this impacts the food chain.
People are worried about production methods on the farm and in processing plants.
This, in turn, is fuelling demand for change, a demand that has been taken up by a number of EU agriculture ministers. Commissioner Byrne and I launched the debate in March of this year when we held the first of what will be a series of stakeholders' round tables on the issue of Agriculture and Food . It is vital that we hear the views of those involved in the agricultural sector, starting with the farmers, and including processors distributors, supermarkets and food outlets and last, but certainly not least, the consumer. The idea of an agriculture, which is sustainable, should not be confused with a return to the farming methods of the last century. Specific types of sustainable agriculture such as organic farming make use of the sophisticated but natural techniques to fight insect parasites without resorting to pesticides.