Brussels, 17/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - According to the Momagri think tank, Commissioner Phil Hogan has presented “Short-lived measures that do not resolve structural problems!” despite the fact that farmers are suffering from the crisis (see other article).
According to Article 222 of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation, the think tank explains in a press release published on Tuesday 15 March that the Commission has in fact the right - and thus the responsibility - to react in case of severe market imbalances by activating various levers, such as withdrawal measures or “temporary production planning”. Momagri adds that “Regrettably, the Commissioner indicated yesterday that the supply control measures would only be provided on a voluntary basis, while Article 222 authorizes the Commission to make it available to all. In addition, no detail was given on the budget that can be earmarked to make the arrangement advantageous”.
As a consequence Momagri believes that there is no doubt left regarding the effectiveness of the measures: It is very likely that many countries and businesses will act as “stowaways” by claiming all possible excuses to avoid contributing to the collective effort to stabilize markets.
As to the other measures such as raising the ceiling of government support, of the maximum intervention for milk powder and butter, or the creation of an observatory of the beef and pork markets, Momagri asks “…how can we be pleased when they should be within the scope of the normal operations of the European Commission as the regulator of the European agricultural sector?”
Momagri is therefore calling for a revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) so that it is able to effectively respond to agricultural crises and that it can “ensure minimum levels of stability to farmers”. This think tank believes that Phil Hogan “has made a serious political mistake in taking over six months to propose activating a ruling adopted in December 2013. Logically, he should resign”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)