Brussels, 29/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - The repercussions of the E.coli crisis on the vegetable sector were discussed at the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 28 June. “Even if we cannot yet talk of a return to normal consumption, the situation in the fruit and vegetable sector is improving, confidence is tending to return”, said Dacian Cioloº, Commissioner for Agriculture. The withdrawal measures provided for producers between 26 May and 30 June have shown their effectiveness, he continued. In the week from 13 to 19 June, prices for almost all products started to go up again. The cucumber has seen the most significant increase (+40%). Only one drop (-1.9%) was seen, on lettuce.
The Commission, Cioloº explained, is doing all in its power to get hold of reliable market information by 18 July, so that the management committee scheduled for 22 July can, on the basis of the applications presented by producers, give the necessary instructions for the money (€210 million maximum) to reach those who are due to receive it, by the end of July. Whilst “inconsistencies” have been noted in the data transmitted by certain member states, the commissioner stated that audit missions will be carried out on the ground before the end of this year, to ensure that this exceptional support programme has been applied correctly.
The European commissioner also told the agriculture ministers of his intention to offer the member states the opportunity to receive European funds for promotion campaigns to improve the consumption of vegetables, which has fallen dramatically due to the E.coli crisis. The Commission will speed up the movement, so that the first promotional campaigns can start from mid-November. Cioloº also told the ministers that the annual budget earmarked by the EU for these measures would rise from €10 to €15 million in 2011, 2012 and 2013. (Cor- L.C./transl.fl)