Details on TTIP were discussed by (from left): John Clarke (EU Commission), James Higgiston (USDA) and Jais Valeur (Arla Foods) (photo: International Dairy Magazine)
At this year’s World Dairy Forum organized by Euroepan Dairy Association EDA on 10 October in Stresa/Italy, former Italian farm minister and MEP Dr. Paolo De Castro and the new minister-counsellor of the U.S. mission in Brussels, James Higgiston discussed with Director John Clarke from DG AGRI, head negotiator of agriculture in TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership ) talks, not only on dairy aspects of free trade agreements, but tackled the whole range of agriculture related topics linked to the U.S. – EU negotiations.
“We must make sure that the final TTIP deal is well balanced. It must lift barriers and bring new opportunities to EU producers to export their products across the ocean but at the same time ensure the high EU standards that our farmers must meet and our consumers currently enjoy. Neither must it compromise our views on issues such as use of hormones, cloning and GMOs”, said De Castro in his opening remarks. “Of course, also the new European Parliament is open to negotiations but to ensure a good result for our farmers and consumers, the European Parliament, who will need to give his final blessing to this deal, must be properly involved in the process”, stated De Castro.
James Higgiston underlined the economic impact of TTIP: “TTIP is a great opportunity for both the European Union and the United States. During the negotiations, we need to overcome our differences and find a common vision that would benefit farmers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. The aim of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is to facilitate and increase trade between the United States and the European Union. More trade means economic growth and more and better employment on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. This is crucial for Europe in times where the EU is still trying to tackle the consequences of the global economic crisis with high unemployment especially among young people in some countries.”
EU Commissions’ Director John Clarke gave an overview on the status of all currently discussed free trade negotiations and stressed the commitment of the European Commission to transparency and close cooperation with the European Parliament. “It is true that the volumes of dairy trade between the U.S.A. and Europe are not as significant as with other world regions, but the discussions we’ve had today show clearly the very positive future market opportunities in the U.S. for our European quality dairy products. The TTIP will most certainly become a blueprint for future trade agreements” commented Michel Nalet, EDA President.
