Events

Conference "Local agriculture and short food supply chains" (Brussels, 20/04/2012)

This event will explore ways and means to mobilise and value the economic potential of local agriculture and short food supply chains. It is a joint initiative of Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.

The CAP reform proposals for post 2013 adopted by the Commission on 12 October 2011 envisage a number of new possibilities for the economic development of small-scale farming with a local market orientation. In addition, other CAP policies and EU legislation on food hygiene are important for growth on such holdings. The focus of the conference was on the use of policy instruments, facilitating access to markets as well as reinforcing links between farmers and consumers, and improving the implementation of relevant hygiene legislation applying to short food supply chains.

In particular, the following issues have been addressed:

the implementation of adequate CAP support;
opportunities in local food systems, short marketing chains (including direct sales) by increasing consumer awareness of local farm products;
the need to better use the existing provisions of relevant EU legislation adapted to small-scale food operators and direct sales; cooperation of farmers/small food business operators with competent authorities responsible for hygiene.

Programme [6 MB]

Proceedings

Opening speeches

Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development

John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy [22 KB]

HRH The Prince of Wales (video message) [18 KB]

Plenary session: Local agriculture in Europe today

"Local food systems" - Mercedes Bresso, President, Committee of the Regions [31 KB]

"Policy measures under the CAP that offer opportunities" - Jerzy Plewa, Deputy Director-General, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission [112 KB]

"The legal framework, derogations, facts and figures" - Bernard Van Goethem, Director, DG Health and Consumer Policy, European Commission [119 KB]

Workshop A

focused on appropriate CAP support mechanisms. The discussion was based on the following questions: how to better address needs of small-scale farm structures and target support schemes towards them ? Do the CAP proposals provide the necessary tools to unlock small scale farming potential?

Presentations by:

Mieczyslaw Paradowski, Deputy Director of Rural Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture [322 KB]

Dr Martin Pazeller, Abteilungsdirektor Autonome Provinz Bolzano [7 MB]

José Miguel Afonso Fernandes, European Coordination Via Campesina [49 KB]

Vera Dvorská, CEJA, European Council of Young Farmers [2 MB]

Workshop B

explored facilitating market access for small famers. The discussion was based on the following questions: what are the needs behind developing a scheme for local products? What should a scheme at EU level look like and why do consumers appreciate buying food from local farmers?

Presentations by:

Sally Jackson, representative of FARMA (UK Farmers’ Retail & Markets Association), involved in GOAL (genuine own and local) schemes [963 KB]

Hans Leo, Natural Dairy Products of Tegernsee [153 KB]

Stephanie Cabantous, AMAP (Association pour le Maintien d’une Agriculture Paysanne) [86 KB]

Dr. Moya Kneafsey, University of Coventry [333 KB]

Workshop C

discussed a better use of the hygiene and food safety regulatory framework for small food producers. The discussion was based on the following questions: How to promote the use of flexible provisions among competent authorities? What practical examples are there of flexible approaches satisfying legal obligations?

Presentations by: