Diversity, whether it relates to food products or cultural and language issues, must be protected within the European Union if the concerns of citizens are to be taken into account.
Recently, the EU has moved to enforce common standards of hygiene in food production for all member states, and many small producers are in danger of being forced out of business. In those countries most affected - France, Italy and Germany - strong lobby groups have emerged to champion the cause of artisan producers and to argue that they should not be subjected to the same rigorous requirements as industrial food companies.
In response to those representations, exemptions from some EU regulations are already under way and a review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) may help to provide grant aid for small producers. Speciality regional foods are a wonderful addition to the bland fare that is widely available throughout Europe. And while Irish people have come relatively late to the development of artisan, niche products, significant advances have been made, particularly in the areas of farmhouse cheeses, preserves and puddings. Consumers must be assured, however, that such food is not only delicious but perfectly safe to eat. That is where the Irish Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner, Mr David Byrne, comes in. It is his job to ensure proper standards of hygiene in the production of traditional food by small-scale producers.
Given the costs involved in bringing small premises up to the industrial standard required by EU regulations, some producers have been forced out of business and others are considering their futures. Now, however, Mr Byrne is in negotiations with the EU Agricultural Commissioner, Mr Franz Fischler, with a view to making capital grants available for upgrading such premises under the rural development section of the CAP. This would be separate from funding under the LEADER programme which has not normally been available to small food producers. If these changes are introduced, they would do much to improve an EU image of faceless bureaucrats who meddle in the affairs of local communities.
Hygiene and food safety are vital consumer issues. And the EU Commission would be in breach of its duties if it failed to address them. Because of that, ways must be found that will safeguard public health without eliminating the production of artisan foods.