History
The fish auctions of Europe and their essential role had been completely
overlooked at the time of the COM reform (e.g. the E Bonino
enquiry) as was evidenced by the ill conceived
proposed article12 of COM supporting, with fiscal aid, the by-passing of free
and open sales - this was regarded as dangerous for the future of the auctions
and free competition.
auctions were neither consulted, considered nor heard by the Commission.
Coincidentally a number of auction had, that April, gathered to informally discuss the economic climate and what common objectives and difficulties existed in their sector of the industry. Not surprisingly the information that their very function in creating a free market was being threatened acted as a spur and led directly to the early formation of EAFPA. The immediate aim being to make measured and cogent arguments to the EC on how to achieve real market benefits without redress to price distortion through the proposed selective grant scheme - which would benefit neither fishermen nor consumers. Thus, in 1999 EAFPA was formed and:
by banding together in EAFPA and, through this collective body actively lobbying the EC supported by real data and logical argument the organisation directly affected events.
article 12 was
abandoned and auctions, through EAFPA, now have a voice in Brussels.
With the initial objective met EAFPA has continued to develop its role in Europe and been pursuing its broader objective as a Trade Organisation as both a conduit for information and dialogue between the EC and its members.
EAFPA has succeeded because of the commitment of individual representives drawn from the member auctions who have a firm belief in the processes that they oversee and a vision for the future. The challenges for our industry seem to increase exponentially. As enterprises which often have a public duty, and certainly significant investment in immoveable infrastructure, auctions and the fishing ports that are associated with them can not redeploy but they can respond. EAFPA shall develop and enhance their members role in the industry and to the public.
Fundamental or General Objectives:
1. Recognition that auctions are and should be respected and treated as
partners
by the Industry
by the European
Community
by the National
Authorities
by the Producer
Organisations
by the Retail sector
- from Supermarket chain to fishmonger
2. Ensure that port
auctions continue to be the marketers of the fish in Europe
3. Establish an ongoing dialogue and common view with the European Commission.
4. Obtain full official and legal recognition as a Trade Organisation
5. Develop Value Added
services for members and the industry.