12 May 1993

Doc. 6834

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

on food and agricultural development

in the Mediterranean area

presented by Mr SCHEER and others

1.       The Assembly is aware of the differences among Mediterranean countries and regions with regard to agriculture, the natural environment and the climate, and it is concerned that population pressures, in particular in some of the southern Mediterranean countries, might compromise food security, public health and environmental preservation. The availability of water (quality and quantity) in many bordering regions and countries is of particular importance for the populations, for agriculture, and for economic development (drinking water, sanitation, industry, etc).

2.       Sustainable agricultural policies adapted to local conditions could stop environmental degradation, and agricultural quality products from the region could find increased markets in Europe and thus stimulate economic development. Farmers and their organisations, in particular the Mediterranean Committee of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) will need to be fully involved in the design and implementation of any policy reform affecting the development of the agro-food sector. It is important that farmers are well educated and trained to fully assume their responsibilities. The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies could play an important role for the enhancement of knowledge and its dissemination.

3.       Consequently, the Assembly calls on the governments of member states, and in particular governments of Mediterranean countries:

i.       to increase their efforts and set up new forms of European cooperation with a view to achieving a sustainable development of the agro-food sector and improving water management and nature conservation policies;

ii.       to strengthen co-operation in the Mediterranean area for the benefit of agricultural development including training and research;

iii.       to include considerations regarding population pressures on ecosystems in food and agriculture strategies and to integrate these into a global strategy for food security and "health for all";

iv.       to promote trade in quality food products from the region.

Signed:       Scheer, Terborg, Bindig, Lanner, Graenitz, Jack Thompson, Bühler, Sipos, González Laxe, Soell, Büchler