Roadmapping actions for the High-Level Group on Agro-food industry competitiveness

Since last year EFFAT is involved in this process, representing the workers’ interests. “When we talk about competitiveness, productivity, innovation and quality, then we talk about the employees. The equal level playing field for the companies in Europe is the same, what makes the difference is the people, their motivation and qualification.”(Harald Wiedenhofer, EFFAT Secretary-General)

Yesterday, the Sherpas met and discussed a roadmap for the concrete measures necessary to achieve the Report’s recommendations. EFFAT suggestions have been taken on board of the Report and the roadmap as well. For example: increase attractiveness of the European agro-food industry; establish a social dialogue in the industry; promote a fair trade and sustainability standards in international trade; design a sustainable industry. We always stood for a sustainable competitiveness meaning the competitivity of an industry which is not based on social dumping but quality, innovation of products and services and qualification of workers. The non-availability of qualified workforce, training and low attractiveness for the jobs are big challenges for the sector, stressing the importance of the social dialogue as well. EFFAT welcomed the Report and roadmap which addressed these issues and proposed concrete measures.

The work of this High-Level Group comes to an end this year (probably beginning of July with a last High-Level Group meeting), but the ideas for action will have to be followed by all the parties involved in this work: European Commission, Member States and stakeholders of the food chain.

The Report as well as the roadmap for actions can be accessed here.

Contact Codruta Fillip: c-l.filip@effat.org