13 / 24
In conclusion,
John Clarke
stressed that instead of
focusing on the negative
aspects of TTIP
we should
look at what TTIP can do to
create better access
for SMEs
and small producer to export
markets.
In conclusion,
Elena Bryan
stressed that
as the US has many interests in
European markets, the EU has many
interests in US markets whether it
be procurement or raw milk. Neither
system is perfect, but discussion of
these issues by regulators and experts
is important. “
We don’t see it as a race
to the bottom but a way to uphold high
standards on both sides
”.
13
TTIP talks: What’s cooking?
- Perspectives on Food & Farming
Elena Bryan
(Senior Trade Representative at the
US Mission to the EU)
stressed that people have
the right to make their voices heard in a democratic
process in both the US and EU, and that the US has
an open regulatory system with rules that regulators
propose being open to public scrutiny.
Elena Bryan explained that the US does not expect
the EU to copy their regulatory system to the US
system based on the three branches of government.
However the US would like to see more transparency
in European Commission system of developing
legislation. This is not just a corporate interest but
a broader interest to ensure that people that are
regulated are allowed to comment on regulation.
Elena Bryan explained that there are a wide variety
of experts that are involved in trade negotiations,
including regulator-to-regulator dialogue. This involves
regulators with expertise in certain areas from both
the EU and US with the mission to develop regulation
to protect public health, the environment and labour
rights.
Proceedings of the Conference
TTIP – trading away good food and good farming?
We should not
fear lowering standards…
and we should not create a false dichoto-
my between farming and agroindustry.”
John Clarke, DG AGRI
I will close with this point –
maybe this is a little known fact,
there is a
lot of discussion about
the use of antimicrobial chlorine
on chicken
, but did you know
that bagged salad in some Mem-
ber States is treated with chlo-
rine, including France - Mr. Bové”
Elena Bryan, US Mission to
the EU.
Clark warned of creating “a false
dichotomy between farmers and
agribusiness”, because these sectors
are highly interrelated. There are
4.5 million working in the agriculture
food sector, more than 90% of food
businesses can be classified as SMEs
and 70 % of farm production goes
into European agrifood business, so
there should be benefits for both
large agribusiness and small scale
family farmers to enter the value
chain.