Association des Amidonniers et Féculiers

Association des Amidonniers et Féculiers

 

Our Objectives

The Association key objectives are :

  • the industry's access to a sufficient supply of raw materials of good quality at competitive prices,
  • compensation for differences between EU and world market cereal prices due to the CAP,
  • the elaboration of an adequate set of rules for the use and labelling of starch products,
  • fair access to other markets, and harmonised environmental requirements.

The Association current main priorities are :

1. Trade and competitiveness
  • WTO negotiations
  • Support fair trade taking into account the differences in the regulatory environments of WTO Members and therefore the specificity of certain sectors as the starch industry.
  • Raw materials supply
  • Improve the current supply situation by making certain that the existing CAP mechanisms that compensate producers and users for the difference between EU and world market prices of raw materials are correctly applied. Make sure that market measures will also guarantee a sufficient supply at competitive prices for food, feed and non-food applications.
  • Green chemistry
  • Ensure that starch is fully recognised as the perfect raw material for the «green» and «sustainable» use of agricultural products as it is renewable and bio-degradable. The EU should maximise opportunities to use green chemistry and take measures to encourage the development of the EU bio-industry and the consumer’s demand for bio-based products.
  • Potato starch regime
  • Make certain that the main elements of the starch regime are maintained until the real impact of the implementation of the CAP reform can be assessed.
  • Reform of the Sugar regime
  • Limit the major impact of the sugar reform on the competitiveness of the starch sector.
  • In addition to these issues
  • The AAF continues to closely follow the negotiations of bilateral trade agreements between the EU and third countries, e.g. the interregional association agreement with Mercosur, free trade agreements. The AAF also monitors the implementation of the EU Directive on biofuels as it is an outlet for the industry.

 

2. Food and consumer policy
  • Legislation on gene technology
  • Continue to respond to current customer demands for conventional products in compliance with EU laws and by implementing traceability as long as most of the European consumers are not ready to accept GMOs for food use.
  • Contaminants/Mycotoxins
  • Make food safety the basis for any decision regarding the maximum limits for mycotoxins. If safety is an issue, preventive methods like the implementation of code of good practices should be put into place and if despite these codes, safety is still at stake, then limits should be realistic, achievable, consistent, controllable and be based on risk analysis. A realistic and consistent approach should be taken also for limits in feed products.
  • In addition to these issues
  • The AAF also closely follows the development of the EU legislation regarding diet and nutrition, additives and processing aids, animal feed and codes of good practice, materials in contact with food, the new chemical policy (REACH).

 

3. Environment
  • Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)
  • Ensure that ETS III fully recognises the starch industry’s growth potential including the environmental benefits of cogeneration.
  • Waste management
  • Monitor the implementation of the European waste policy that acknowledges that by-products are products and not waste.

© 2008, Association des Amidonniers et Féculiers