Brussels, 21/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 17 January, the European Commission took the decision (which falls within its remit) to reduce the unit amount of poultry export aid from €217 to €108.5 per tonne, “despite an intervention made by France and opposition voiced by other member states”, complains Paris in a press release published on 18 January (see EUROPE 10766).
Stéphane Le Foll, the French minister for agriculture, makes clear he will support the French poultry sector. As early as last summer, the French minister called on the European Commission, which had been planning to end export aid, to allow the sector enough time to continue to adapt so it could be less dependent on this aid. France has carried out a study on the future of the French poultry sector, the findings of which will be published at the end of March.
In response to the Commission's decision on export aid, Le Foll held a meeting with the operators affected. The outcome of this meeting is that: - France disputes the economic arguments put forward by the Commission to justify its decision; - Le Foll will continue to fight against any further cuts; - all short-term sector support measures to help tackle the financial and economic repercussions of this decision will be explored at both French and Community levels; - public authorities will work with the sector in research and innovation projects, in promoting products and investment, and in other areas of action to enhance competitiveness and the industrial performance of the sector over the medium term; - the instruments put in place by the government to enhance competitiveness, investment and innovation capacity, will be activated as soon as possible (tax credits etc.). (LC/transl.fl)