Copa-Cogeca is holding the first International Sheepmeat Forum in Brussels on October 8 and 9, bringing together producers and industry from all over the world, to discuss ways to improve the viability of the sector and to make it more sustainable.

The long term sustainability of EU sheep production is currently more under threat than ever.

Despite a production deficit of sheepmeat in the EU, the sheep flock continues to fall and the demand remains weak. The difficulties facing the sector are not only an EU problem, but a worldwide one. The Forum will consequently look at measures to improve the viability of the
sheepmeat sector. Panel discussions will take place at the Forum focussing on the challenges of declining production, maintaining consumer demand as well as climate change. Key speakers include EU Farm Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel who will be talking about the future of sheep production in Europe. MEP Liam Aylward and Paolo de Castro, Chair of European Parliaments’ Agriculture and Economic Development Committee, will be speaking about the role of Parliament in improving the viability of the sector. The EU Council Presidency will be represented by Swedish Secretary of State for Agriculture Rolf Eriksson.

Copa and Cogeca would like to invite journalists to attend the conclusions of the Forum and closure by the Forum Chairman Pekka Pesonen, Copa-Cogeca Secretary-General, at 13.15 to 13.30. Journalists are also invited to a buffet lunch by Agneau Presto at 13.30 where they will have the opportunity to find out more about the EU promotion initiative by Agneau Presto. They will be able to meet experts and key speakers from the Forum. The Forum will take place at Copa-Cogeca, 61 Rue de Treves, B-1040 Bruxelles.

RSVP by October 5 to Amanda Cheesley.

For further information, please contact:

Noa Simon
Policy Advisor
Tel.: +32 2 287 27 33
Noa.Simon@copa-cogeca.eu

Amanda Cheesley
Press Officer
Mobile: + 32 474 840 836
amanda.cheesley@copa-cogeca.eu