EUROPEAN FUR AUCTION HOUSES HAVE EXPORTED FUR FOR AN APPROXIMATE VALUE OF 1.5 BILLION EUROS THIS SEASON: SHOULD EUROPE BE PROUD OR ASHAMED OF THIS?

I am trying not to see things in black and white. Almost all kind of industries have things that they can be proud or ashamed of. The fur production is an important sector for several regions in Europe, especially rural ones where the production create jobs, business opportunities, revenues and taxes.

SINCE THE DISCUSSION ON THE SEAL BAN STARTED IN 2006, EXPORT OF SEAL SKINS IN GREENLAND HAS DROPPED FROM 8 MILLION EUROS TO BELOW 1 MILLION EUROS. IN YOUR VIEW, DOES THIS IMPLY THAT THE INUIT EXEMPTION DOES NOT WORK?

The seal ban is hurting the indigious people because 'The white man' did not bother to think this time either. People have hunted seals for hundreds and hundreds of years. I cannot see how seal hunt differs from other types of hunting in areas where you have a population which for centuries have been depending on a certain craft.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARGUMENT AGAINST THE PRODUCTION OF FUR?

If animals are not treated well. Fur products must meet animal welfare standards. That is not the case all over the world, but in Europe the situation is generally good. However, it is important that inspections make that the standards are always followed. Besides, I do not find rational arguments against fur production by good standards.

IN YOUR VIEW, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF FUR PRODUCTION?

It creates jobs and business opportunities in many rural areas in Europe. If you would be living in Lappland, you would be dependent on ecologically sound clothing. I think we have more serious incidents due to bad clothing than to fur.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE EU SHOULD URGE THIRD COUNTRIES TO RESPECT ANIMAL WELFARE PRINCIPLES WHEN EXPORTING GOODS TO THE EU MARKET?
Yes.

EUROPEAN FUR PRODUCTION HAS GROWN BY 19% SINCE 2005 - IS THAT A GOOD THING?

Sustainable production that creates more jobs, revenues and taxes is always a good thing. I don't see why fur should be different.

IN YOUR VIEW, IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREEDING ANIMALS FOR THEIR FUR AND BREEDING ANIMALS FOR THEIR MEAT?

Well, we need food and we need clothes. The crucial question is how we produce what we need.

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT FUR FARMING COULD REPRESENT AN INTERESTING OPTION TO FOSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS?

It is definitely already like this today. Fur production is a very important sector in many regional rural areas in several European countries, where you wouldn't find other opportunities.