Brussels, 18/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - At the forthcoming Agriculture Council on Monday 22 February, Greece will make proposals to help the agriculture sector overcome the financial and economic crisis which, particularly in that country, has led to a sharp fall in production and income. From mid-January until the start of February, Greek farmers held demonstrations, sometimes blocking roads, in pursuit of financial aid. Greece claims that these demonstrations were the result of a crisis that has had a particularly serious impact on the agricultural sector in that country and elsewhere in Europe. It is calling for European responses to the crisis.
According to the note from the Greek delegation, between 2004 and 2009, crop production fell by 7% and animal products by 2% in Greece. Similarly, prices have fallen dramatically (olive oil by 20%, apples by 48%, grapes by 40%, and milk by 14%, for example), helping to lower farm income (which fell by 16.7% in Greece between 2000 and 2009, compared with an average fall of 10.7% in the 15 older member states of the EU).
Greece is calling, inter alia, for audits and monitoring procedures to be enhanced along the whole of the food chain. It would like to see a price observatory established in the EU - as a way, it says, of protecting the market against illegal trade practices (speculation) and helping close the gap between producer and consumer prices. In addition, Greece is calling for transparency in the labelling of products with geographical indications, etc, along with accurate information for consumers.
Other immediate action demanded by Greece to support farmers when they find themselves in critical situations include: - support and a reinforced role played by producer groups, agricultural cooperatives and unions in the food supply chain; - the promotion of contracts between farmers and suppliers (a Community legal framework is being requested); - improved traceability of imported food products; - exploration of possible support mechanisms in the event of extreme market volatility or EU level emergencies. (L.C./transl.fl)