UECBV hopes to open dialogue with Russia
It also called for the opening of alternative markets, that are still closed because of “technical barriers to trade”.
During its annual meeting, which took place in Barcelona on 26 September, work priorities for the year to come were discussed, with the recent Russia bans and their impact on the European meat sector a hot topic.
According to UECBV, debate was held among representatives of the Russian and European federations, with key outcomes agreed to address the problems on both sides in order to help facilitate market access and cooperation.
In the short-term it said it expected some kind of support mechanism for the pork market in order to help the sector, “which is squeezed by the direct and indirect impacts of the Russian bans”.
The union, which represents around 20,000 commercial and industrial companies through its 51 national member federations, said the programme for the annual meeting featured a range of debates, including several issues that are expected to be on the agenda of the new EU decision-makers, as well as what is important for consumers.
“On the one hand, the origin labelling (a trade opportunity or a new burden for the livestock and meat sector), animal welfare standards (a positive or a negative challenge) and environmental standards (myth or reality) were discussed among all the experts present. On the other hand, the audience was presented with scientific data on the nutritional value and social perception of meat,” said UECBV.
