On-going negotiations on the delegated act which will define criteria for implementation of the optional quality term « mountain product » intensified with the presentation by the European Commission of its first draft to Member States on April 26th. Contrary to what was expected, the Commission did not build on existing legislations and introduced rules which endanger the viability of many mountain food supply chains. Indeed, it addresses in an awkward way the issue of animal feed. And it introduces generic derogations for processing even where they are not necessary. The next meeting is programmed on May 24th.
17 May 2013