Fischler highlights importance of research for agriculture
Franz Fischler, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries emphasised the importance of research for agriculture at a conference on the future of food policy in Brussels on 22 November. Speaking on the links between agriculture and food policy, the Commissioner said that the Common agricultural policy (CAP) must support safe quality products. 'Research and innovation have a vital role to play in developing forms of agriculture, which are both ecologically sound and economically viable. The consumer must have real value for money and the CAP must therefore provide the framework for safe quality products,' said Mr Fischler. He added that citizens now expect more safe food with high nutritional standards which has been produced ethically with respect for the environment, animal health and animal welfare. 'Our challenge is to blend these different requests into a new common agricultural policy,' said Mr Fischler.