European beef production must not be reduced depending on the domestic market needs, said representatives of the meat industry this week.
Pierre Chevalier , chairman of the department beef producers in the industry organization Copa-Cogeca, made this statement in response to new data on the state of the beef market in Europe. According to statistics, Copa, beef prices , on average, decreased by 5% , but the production and consumption of beef is expected to decline by seven percent compared with the average for 2010 - 12gg . He warned that the decline in production and consumption can have serious consequences and that any gaps in the European market will not hesitate to use foreign suppliers . " This drop in production and consumption is a serious concern , and can cause huge social and economic costs in rural areas, where the beef sector plays a key role for economic growth and job creation in these areas ," said Mr. Chevalier. His position is that with the increase in demand for food , the EU should produce more beef, not less. Summarizing these steps branch union , Mr. Chevalier said : "Working Group beef producers will remain vigilant and uncompromising control , to ensure European consumers that the quality standards that they value so highly , and will be followed further, and on the shelves of European shops can will find high-quality local products . " He also said that the representatives of the EU beef sector urged the European Commission to undertake assessments of trade negotiations between the EU and the U.S. beef production sector , and initiate consultations with the public on this issue before the EU begins to take further steps in these negotiations . "