EURO-BRIEFS
EURO-BRIEFS
• EU scientists have asked for more time to consider a report from the commissions consumer affairs directorate into the role of antibiotics in animal feed and the link to human resistance. The scientific steering committee will meet again on May 27 to vote on the report and could endorse a blanket ban on all antibiotic growth promoters.
• ANGRY French pig producers occupied one of the countrys leading pig markets at St Brieuc in northern Brittany this week, to protest about the economic crisis. Organisers claimed that 25% of the regions farmers would go out of business this summer unless something was done to boost prices from the current 5 francs/kg (51p/kg).
• INTERVENTION of major farm commodities is rising, reflecting the increasingly difficult export market. EU grain stocks currently stand at 15m tonnes, with another 4.5m tonnes under offer. Butter and skimmed milk powder are also moving into store in several member states. Beef stocks still top 500,000t.
• FRENCH farm minister, Jean Glavany, has launched a major consultation to prepare for the implementation of Agenda 2000. Industry and government representatives will work together to devise a rural development plan over the next six months. Mr Glavany said he intended to modulate direct income aids in favour of small and medium holdings in mountain regions.