Resolutions - AGM 1999

Resolutions voted by
the General Assembly of the F.E.A.P.
(Westport, May 1999)

Financial Compensation for Compulsory Slaughter

Consultation with the Aquaculture Sector on Environmental Issues

Support Measures for Mediterranean Aquaculture

RESOLUTION 1

FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR COMPULSORY SLAUGHTER
( Health and Commission)

The Assembly of the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) noted that, following identification of the List 1 ISA (Infectious Salmon ) in individual salmon farms in Scotland, the U.K. Government had refused to provide compensation to farmers who were required to slaughter their under the conditions of EC regulations. This is the first occasion that a Member State of the EC has refused to pay compensation.

The Assembly of the F.E.A.P. unanimously condemned the decision of the U.K. Government, as the consequences of this decision are severe; affected farms would be bankrupted and major distortions to trade would result. Consequently the Assembly requested the EC, as matter of urgency, to make the payment of compensation for the compulsory slaughter of fish affected by List 1 Diseases mandatory on Member States, as is the case with the implementation of the Fish Health regulations.

RESOLUTION 2

CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
( Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) believes that environmental concerns are of great importance for the aquaculture sector. Ecological balance is and will be a sectoral priority for the years to come and which will decide the survival and welfare of aquaculture endeavours.

EC Directives concerning the environment should be issued after careful deliberation and consultation with the F.E.A.P., focusing on factors that could have a negative impact on the equilibrium of the seas and inland waters.

The F.E.A.P. is ready to work with, not against, the EU bodies that try to protect the natural environment, both on sea and inland, thus facilitating the of proteins for human consumption.

RESOLUTION 3

RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING LARGE TROUT
(Large Trout Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) has agreed that it is necessary to establish a distinct profile for Large Rainbow Trout. This is seen as an essential step towards a more stable market for this product, which would reduce the link to , which dominates the European market for salmonid fish.

Large Trout has traditionally been considered as a substitute for Atlantic salmon. However, as a item, it is acknowledged as a product with good potential with different positive characteristics when compared to salmon and other trout or products.

The Assembly of the F.E.A.P has agreed that a definition of Large Trout is

Oncorhynchus mykiss (species)
Larger than 1 kilogram individual weight
Gutted with the head on

To establish access to reliable data and statistics concerning the movements of Large Trout on the market, a separate CN Code should be allocated to this product with no further delay, if possible on a worldwide basis. Initiatives to implement this will be made by the F.E.A.P. on an EU level as well as at national levels by the Member Associations of the F.E.A.P..

As a further step towards establishing a clear profile and an industry-led market strategy for Large Trout, the F.E.A.P. will continue its efforts towards establishing

Common European criteria for quality,
Common European promotion campaigns
More effective and up-to-date market and price surveillance in different parts of Europe.

RESOLUTION 4

SUPPORT MEASURES FOR MEDITERRANEAN AQUACULTURE
(Mediterranean Aquaculture Commission)

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (F.E.A.P.) has recognised the sensitivity of the European market for the products of Mediterranean aquaculture, principally European seabass and Gilthead seabream, as a function of supply and demand.

The situation seen in the EU in early 1999 demonstrated clearly how excess supplies can lead to price crashes, accompanied by market and sectoral instability.

Such conditions present a real threat to the economic viability of aquaculture SMEs and antagonise the policy of EU support for the and consolidation for Mediterranean sector of European aquaculture.

In order to construct the circumstances for favourable sectoral development and market stability, positions of benefit to the producer and alike, the F.E.A.P. requests that the actual European support for Mediterranean aquaculture be directed primarily towards:

Generic product promotion
The development of Quality schemes
Cost-effective measures for performance improvement

In addition, the F.E.A.P. believes that some EC Directives, while being well intentioned, are creating an unfavourable imbalance between the products of EU aquaculture and Third country imports. The principle of establishing a level playing field for all aquaculture producers should be respected in all matters (e.g. Minimum Levels (MRLs), labelling requirements…).

For these reasons, the FEAP appeals to every party involved to assume their responsibilities in order to do whatever is possible to stabilise market supplies and to support favourable economic development.