Brussels, 04/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - Member states' experts on the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) discussed the European Commission's proposal on the single CMO (common market organisation) as part of the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) on 30 April. Most agreed in principle with the proposal to strengthen producer organisations (POs) and the inter-branch system in all sectors. Spain, France, Italy, Poland and Romania were particularly keen.
Some member states, including Germany, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, however, have reservations over compulsory recognition for these bodies. Several delegations (Swedish, British, Dutch and others) were critical of possible extension of the rules and compulsory contributions to non-members of producer organisations. Others (like Belgium and the Czech Republic) are prepared to go with it so long as introduction is voluntary and it remains under the responsibility of national authorities. Elsewhere, some member states (Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) oppose extending measures adopted for dairy to other sectors for fear of distorting competition. Others, such as France, Spain and Finland, would like to see POs strengthened to increase their clout in contract negotiations in other than the dairy sector.
The next SCA meeting, on Monday 7 May, will discuss: - CAP reform: rural development (naturally disadvantaged areas in the second pillar); - the quality package (marketing standards and quality schemes); - the proposal on the production and labelling of organic produce. (LC/transl.rt)