The president of the association, Leo Graf von Drechsel, pictured in his speech the achievements of EPEXA and its members during the past 25 years. It is obvious that the situation since 1987 has changed, and during the assembly the value and future objectives of EPEXA’s work have been evaluated and set for the coming period.

In 2011 the European Union exported in total more than 700 million hatching eggs to third countries of which 11.5 million from turkeys, and more than 120 million one-day olds of which 15 million from turkeys. The total annual trade value of hatching eggs including the intra-community trade of about 950 million hatching eggs amounts at more than 400 million euros. But recent experiences have shown that sanitary and veterinary matters can heavily impact trade. The EU exporters are also faced with firm competition in and from third countries that are expanding their poultry production, like the Russian Federation and Ukrain. New trade destinations should be found, but since October 2011 the European Commission has put the refunds for hatching eggs and one-day olds at zero.

Herman Versteijlen, Director for Common Market Organisations for agricultural products of DG AGRI, explained in his presentation the proposals of the future Common Agricultural Policy and the ongoing discussion. Mr Versteijlen stated clearly the Commissions intention to keep the tool of export refunds in the toolbox to rebalance the internal market in case of imbalance and crises. He also stressed that the availability of recent and reliable statistics is essential for both the European Commission and the private businesses. EPEXA should not only raise its voice towards the European Commission, but also to the European Parliament that plays also an important role in the decision making process.

During the General Assembly president Leo Graf von Drechsel handed the presidency over to Mr Jacques de Lange who already has been president of EPEXA from 1988-1992. In his inauguration speech Mr de Lange thanked Leo Graf von Drechsel for his outstanding work done during the last 12 years as president of EPEXA. Followed by a clear statement to the members he expressed his strong commitment to promote the international trade of hatching eggs and one-day olds. With the support of the members, EPEXA may be able to help to prevent or solve veterinary problems which can obstruct the export of hatching eggs and one-day olds to third countries.

Mr Herman Versteijlen, second from left, the board members Mr Leo Graf von Drechsel (former President), third from left, and Mr Claus Zakarias, on the right, and Cees Vermeeren (secretary general), on the left.