Brussels, 25/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - The second phase of the reform of the tobacco sector which was agreed in 2004 - the compulsory full decoupling of aid to producers - comes into force in all member states with effect from this year, despite the concerns expressed by agricultural organisations. Four member states have informed the European Commission of their intention to provide the sector with specific aid under the terms of Article 68 (of regulation 73/2009 on direct support schemes for farmers), either in the form of decoupled payments (as is the case for Hungary and Poland) or to improve production quality (Italy and Spain). The Commission, however, considers that the proposal put forward by Poland is not permissible under Community rules since it provides for coupled payment per hectare, and also because it was submitted after the 1 August 2009 deadline. (L.C./transl.rt)