"A united approach, that crosses the superficial borders, will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping rural sustainability in this area," said Fischler. "I think that today's conference has shown that we have to reinforce existing partnerships, and develop new openings.
"The 2010 target set by the Barcelona process for full trade liberalisation between the EU and our Mediterranean neighbours should be well within our reach. Agriculture is an important element of regional integration in the context of the Barcelona process. I believe in stronger agricultural ties with our Mediterranean partners, and the creation of a common platform for certain aspects of our agricultural policy will contribute to achieving this goal."
Fischler said that the new reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is driven by consumer demand and environmental awareness, with the aim of achieving sustainability. "We are also looking to reinforce cross-border collaboration and steer a wider rural Europe in the same direction," he said.
The Commissioner identified the exchange of knowledge and know-how and organic farming as two concrete fields for strengthened co-operation between the EU and the Mediterranean countries. "We should build a platform on which to consolidate our common aims in the fields of rural development and quality production. One way of doing this is to create a forum for the exchange of knowledge and know-how. We could also envisage to strengthen our ties regarding organic production.
"The demand for niche production in place of mass production is a phenomenon that is spreading well beyond our borders, and countries such as those in the Southern Mediterranean, are well placed to benefit from a natural competitive advantage. The EU applies high standards to our own produce, we also expect the same of imports."
Only Israel has so far had its organic scheme approved by the EU, and Fischler is keen to encourage other countries who could also export to the EU to upgrade their standards.