Doc. 8621
19 January 2000

Introduction of a label for products derived from hill farming

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Robol and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly recalls that it is actively concerned with questions relating to food security, consumer safety and food quality.

2.       As part of the activities of its Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (Sub-Committee on Food), it has presented several reports on food security.

3.       It has discussed functional food, use of antibiotics and the question of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

4.       Likewise, it attends to questions concerning the development of mountain regions and has intently discussed the question of protection of mountain areas, recommending the introduction of a quality label for mountain resorts in Europe (Doc. 8556 and Recommendation 1433 adopted on 4 November 1999).

5.       The Council of Europe, having regard to its current action, especially that undertaken by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, and in particular the Final Declaration of the 2nd European Conference of Mountain Regions held in Trento and the European Charter of Mountain Regions adopted in 1995, is convinced that it can help support the development of agriculture in these regions.

6.       In addressing a question of concern to all people, the Council of Europe must be a forum for dialogue and proposals.

7.       The Assembly considers that on account of its vulnerability and specificity, hill farming is a matter for specific action at European level.

8.       It further considers that products derived from hill farming should be promoted by establishing a quality label which would be instrumental in making them better known to consumers, guaranteeing their quality and aiding more effective marketing.

9.       Such a measure naturally comes within the ambit of measures taken to safeguard the economy of the agricultural sector and rural society generally.

10.       Accordingly, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

i.       establish a quality label for products derived from hill farming;

ii.       involve in this exercise all local partners in the areas concerned, together with trade organisations and consumer associations.

Signed : ¹

Robol, Italy, EPP/CD

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Belohorska, Slovakia, EDG

Colvin, United Kingdom, EDG

Davis, United Kingdom, SOC

Hegyi, Hungary, SOC

Keltošová, Slovakia, EDG

Popescu I., Ukraine, SOC

Pulgar, Spain, EPP/CD

Radic, Croatia, EPP/CD

Speroni, Italy, LDR

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group