Brussels, 21/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - Presenting his draft report on the programmes for the distribution of fruit/vegetables and milk in schools, on Wednesday 21 January, the MEP Marc Tarabella (S&D, Belgium) noted similarities of opinion with the other political groups on certain points, such as: giving preference to local products, preferably organic and in season, or cutting red tape. Sometimes, schools would rather buy products directly than take part in the European programme, German MEP member Peter Jahr pointed out.
List of products. In its proposal, the European Commission proposes that distribution of products to schools be based on two core products: fresh fruit and vegetables and milk. The rapporteur agrees with the Commission that priority should, as far as possible, be given to products originating in the Union, particularly local and seasonal, organic and short supply chain products. He wishes priority to be given to fresh products and finds that the member states should be authorised, under certain conditions, to distribute cheese and yoghurt (to children who dislike milk). In response to comments from John Agnew (EFDD, UK), Tarabella said that it was not necessary to include semi-skimmed milk in the programme (as well as whole milk), as this is less relevant to children. Several MEPs asked for olive oil to be included. Tarabella proposed that this product be distributed to children through educational programmes.
Educational measures. The rapporteur proposes setting the budgetary share earmarked for educational measures at a minimum of 15% of the financial envelope of the programmes. Agreeing with the Commission, the rapporteur feels that there should be the option to fund the distribution of products other than fresh fruit and vegetables, such as processed fruit and vegetables, olive oil and honey via educational measures.
Target group of children. The rapporteur (and the Commission) takes the view that the recipients of the aid can be children attending crèches or other pre-school educational establishments, and primary schools (or secondary schools).
Division of the aid. The rapporteur shares the Commission's opinion as regards the (historic) criteria for the division of the aid between the member states participating in the programme for the distribution of fruit and vegetables in schools. However, for the milk programme, the rapporteur takes the view that the historic criterion cannot apply to Croatia due to its recent accession. Furthermore, the rapporteur recommends that a minimum level of aid per child and per year be brought in (for milk).
Reducing administrative burdens. In order to diminish the administrative workload for schools participating in the two schemes, the rapporteur calls for a single application procedure and single control procedures to apply to these schools. Moreover, in order to ensure the effective management of the scheme, it is preferable to replace the aid per portion proposed by the Commission with aid per child and per distribution operation.
Lastly, the rapporteur recommends the introduction of a logo and a common European identifier for the new programme.
Readers should, however, note that in its working programme 2015, the Commission decided to suspend its proposal on milk and fruit in schools to assess the regime in the framework of the 'simplification' of the common agriculture policy (CAP). (LC)