On Friday evening, the FWA (Walloon Agricultural Federation) said they had “increased contact with the different parties in the food industry”. This is due to the fraud scandal at the Veviba abattoirs. The FWA wants to be a civil party in this case, ideally in conjunction with the other members of “Agrofront” (Boerenbond and the ABS, Algemeen Boerensyndicaat).
They have yet to confirm how they will proceed, but this is what the FWA would prefer. “Other parties in the food industry plan to do the same”, says the Walloon Agricultural Union.
The FWA expressed its regret that the “economic fraud” and sanitary conditions found at Veviba discredits “the whole meat production chain”. This could have “major economic consequences” for farmers, and the sector is already struggling. The FWA thinks the scandal should be used to “encourage” the reform of norms and checks, creating “new transparent practices” at abattoirs and within the livestock trade in general. “Starting now, we expect authorities to support and encourage this”, it added.
The FWA will call its people together on Sunday morning to decide on its course of action over the next few days.
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The Brussels Times
