In total 35 MEPS will be visiting the expo. The delegation is led by Czesław Adam Siekierski, chair of the agriculture committee; Bernd Lange, chair of the international trade committee, and Patrizia Toia, vice-chair of the industry and energy committee. EP vice president Antonio Tajani is also part of the delegation. In addition ther delegations are due to visit the Expo.
Speaking at a press conference in Milan on Thursday Spanish S&D member Clara Eugenia Aguilera Garcia, vice-chair of the agriculture committee, said: "Food is a human right. In the EU we have both food waste and malnutrition that affects almost 20 million families." She added: "Europe cannot give up its own food production, it cannot rely on food from abroad."
German S&D member Bernd Lange, chair of the international trade committee, said "We need asymmetric trade agreements with developing countries to improve their food safety and help them develop their own food production." He also added: "Trade agreements must help improve the living conditions of people producing food."
"The EU is facing major food challenges," said Italian S&D member Patrizia Toia, vice-chair of the industry and energy committee. "The role of research and innovation is essential in finding solutions," she added. "Thanks to the European Parliament, the European Institute for Technology (EIT) will focus next year also on food-related challenges."
REF. : 20150618STO67818
