Reacting to the trade liberalising deal struck between the EU and Canada in October, it is welcome the fact that the Canadians have agreed to respect EU quality standards but we have major concerns that Canada will gain increased market access for substantial volumes of pig meat under the deal.There have been progress in some areas, for instance on recognition of EU production and quality standards.This is a good step forward.

The avoidance of the use of growth promoters is also good. MEPs and EU Ministers are urged to ensure that this is included in the final agreement and that EU standards are respected. It is important for the EU pigmeat industry which has struggled recently due to high feed costs and after tough welfare standards were introduced.

But this agreement signed between the EU Commission President and Canadian Prime Minister still goes much further in terms of what was agreed in the pigmeat and beefmeat sectors than what was foreseen in the current round of World Trade liberalising talks. It must be ensured that there is no disruption to the meat market.

The EU has agreed to give increased market access for large volumes of pigmeat which is unacceptable even if it is hormone-free.

This is something we want EU Ministers and MEPs to look at when they approve the final deal.