The future of agriculture in the EU continued to be threatened by the apparent willingness of Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to exceed his mandate in World Trade Organisation negotiations.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin, speaking in the European Parliament on Monday, June 18th.

She said:  “This is a decisive period in World Trade Organisation negotiations.  The G4 (EU/US/India and Brazil) are meeting in Potsdam this week and Commissioner Mandelson and Commissioner Fischer Boel will be in attendance.  All of us would wish to see an equitable deal negotiated but it can’t be a deal at any price.

“If, in making further concessions on agriculture, and it looks as if Commissioner Mandelson is doing exactly that, going beyond his mandate, then the future of agriculture in the EU is in jeopardy

“I know that the CAP is not the most revered policy in this Parliament but we can’t dismantle it in one fell swoop and throw agriculture into crisis.  What happens in Potsdam this week and at the General Affairs Council meeting next Monday will be crucial in the WTO negotiations.

“I am very concerned about the direction of the negotiations, spearheaded by Commissioner Mandelson, and I am calling on Commissioner Fischer Boel to defend the interests of European agriculture and not allow a sell out.  The undermining of EU agriculture will not benefit anyone”, Marian Harkin concluded.