Press release no. 263 from 11.11.09 05:10 PMAigner: food, agriculture and consumer protection are cornerstones for a good quality of life

She continued by saying that a lot had happened in the field of consumer protection in recent years. The ongoing globalisation process required consumers to be given greater support. "Our goal and guiding principle is the idea of the free, independent and competent consumer," said Aigner. She went on to state that it was not the intention to tell consumers what to think, but instead to provide them with information, to support them, and, as far as was necessary, to continue to improve the relevant legal framework. She said that much had already been achieved, for example the labelling of allergenic substances, the fight against unfair competition, and the strengthening of passenger rights. Tasks such as continuing to develop the Consumer Information Act, and improving in food labelling in line with the motto of "truth and clarity", now had priority. According to Ms. Aigner, this motto is also the currency of consumer trust in financial services.

"Sustainability is the economy of the 21st century," said the minister. She continued by saying that the agricultural sector had long since arrived in the 21st century. The only task of agriculture used to be to provide people with food. Today, the sector not only provided high-quality food, but also played major roles in supplying renewable energies, conserving natural landscapes and biodiversity, and creating and maintaining strong rural areas.

She stated that the special programme for agriculture agreed in the coalition agreement offered measures to support the agricultural sector. She also said that public awareness of the services that this sector provided had to be raised. The services to society had to continue to be recognised accordingly. "At European level, I am therefore committed to our farms being able to build on and trust in having a strong first pillar and a well-equipped second pillar, both up to 2013 and afterwards as well," said the minister.

The minister said she viewed herself as an advocate for rural areas. They had to be made attractive so that people could earn their living in them. This required a good infrastructure as well as a strong regional value-added chain. "That is sustainable development for rural areas, and not least a contribution towards a good quality of life for families," said Aigner.

"Today, there are no food shortages in Europe any more. However, it is evident that the main causes of many diseases relate to diet," said Aigner. She went on to say that overweight, diabetes and high blood-pressure diminished many people’s quality of life. More investment should therefore be channelled to prevention rather than healing. The idea of prevention through following a healthy diet would be reinforced in the future. Consumer information sources had been improved, and support had been provided to raise awareness, particularly among children, young adults and parents, and to promote physical activity.

"The ministry’s policy fields are particularly closely linked to everyday life and people's basic needs - and this will continue to be the case in the future. They therefore require commitment, responsibility and prudence. We want freedom, good quality of life, and safety. These are my policy objectives, and these are the policy objectives of the federal government," emphasised Aigner as she concluded her statement.