Brussels, 14/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU management committee has given its approval on Tuesday 14 June to the European Commission proposal to allot €210 million in financial compensation to EU vegetable producers who have seen their sales collapse following the EHEC epidemic (see EUROPE 10394). Some countries called for losses to be compensated in full, but the Commission would not seem able to go above an average of 50%.
The aid provided for should be available to all producers, through producer organisations or national payment agencies if the member states wish. The aid is for producers of cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuces and also courgettes and peppers. The aid mechanism would guarantee the market gardeners affected at least 50% of the price of the vegetables withdrawn from the market (based on prices over the last four years). However, “50% is the European average. In some countries and regions, compensation for producers could be much higher”, pointed out European Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Cioloº.
Producers who belong to a professional organisation, who have access to other forms of compensation, could receive aid of up to 70% of losses. The allocation of €210 million is to meet the demand for compensation for the period from 26 May to 30 June. (L.C./transl.rt)