The meeting was arranged by MEP Eric Andrieu.
Together with other representatives from the sector, Pascal Bioulac stressed “The announcement of a reform of the current Directive which dates back to 2006 is a crucial step to enable the equine sector to recover and regain its “economic serenity”. It is vital given that producers in the sector contribute substantially to the success of many European objectives like growth and jobs, rural development and agri-tourism, sports and social activities”.
The Chairman called for the construction of a real horse sector in Europe. He warned of the negative impact on the sector of the recent fraud concerning horsemeat mixed with beef products, stressing the sector had suffered enormously by this fraud in the food chain, even though it was not producers who were at fault. “It has tainted the image of the sector”, he said.
Copas’ Working Party consequently urges EU decision-makers to recognise the strong attachment Europeans have to the sector and to enable it to fulfil its huge economic potential.
Mr Pascal Bioulac from the French Farm Organisation FNSEA was re-elected by the Working Party for a 2 year term today. He will be supported by Vice-Chairman James Murphy from the Irish Farm Association (IFA) who is a livestock producer and breeds through bred and sports horses who was also re-elected today.
Other priorities of the Working Party in the next 2 years include developing a common strategy on animal welfare and exchanging best practices on research and innovation in the sector to ensure a viable sector.
