Brussels, 20/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - The EU15 Council of Agriculture Ministers, who met on Monday from 15h00, will hold a policy debate on the proposal of reform for the sheep and goat meat sector (see EUROPE of 18 May, p.15). At the request of the Spanish, Italian and Greek delegations, they will discuss what measures would be appropriate to guarantee that the nut sector is safeguarded. Furthermore, Belgian Minister Annemie Neyts will present the Presidency's priorities for the second half of this year.
The debate on the Commission proposal, aimed at simplifying the aid system to the sheep and goat meat sector, should mainly cover the amount of the premium fixed (proposed at 21 euros for sheepmeat producers and 16.8 euros for ewe and goat milk producers), which should be substituted for the current aid that varies according to market rates. The Council is divided between certain countries that do not want the Commission to go further in reforming the system (mainly Germany and Great Britain), those who support the aims of the Commission, and finally the Member States (Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, Austria, France) who recommend an increase in the budgetary allocation devoted to this sector which is considered the "poor relation" of common market organisations (CMO). With the establishment of a fixed premium, the Commission is tabling on savings of EUR 560 million on the 2002 budget. The Presidency is also proposing to discuss aims to be assigned to the additional premium of 7 euros reserved to less advantaged areas. This issue is important when one considers that 80% of ewes and goats for which a request for premium has been made are raised in these difficult areas.
Nuts are also on the agenda as the producer countries hope to call on Commissioner Franz Fischler once more in order to prolong the specific measures aimed at improving the quality and the marketing of locust beans, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios. The measures expired on 15 June (after being extended for one year by the Council). These countries are concerned about the future of the sector in dry regions as it is prey to strong competition from third countries such as the United States and Turkey. In its assessment report on the common market organisation for fruit and vegetables, the Commission recognises the difficulties of the sector but recommends the adjustment of rural development plans rather than the adoption of new specific measures.
The other points on the agenda are: