Brussels, 20/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, after reviewing the situation with regard to avian flu, EU Agriculture Ministers discussed possible compensation for farmers affected by the drop in poultry sales. Greece, backed by Italy and France, called on the Commission to take four measures: removing existing stocks and seeking alternative outlets to dispose of these stocks (with producers compensated as a consequence), increasing the number of countries to which exports are made (export refund), financing action to reassure consumers of the safety of products and taking measures to support those affected by the crisis. Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel noted that export refunds, the only measure available in the poultry sector, had already been increased from 24 to 30 euro per 100 kg, and that the regulation did not allow for removal of stocks (private storage, public intervention). She spoke too of the necessary conditions for the adoption of exceptional market support measures (for example, restricting the free movement of goods), and said that the measures taken to combat the virus discovered in wild birds did not constitute the necessary restrictions. The Commission nonetheless promised to consider such exceptional measures if the situation deteriorated (for example if the virus spread to farms). The Commission also drew attention to Community rules that countries had to follow on allocating national aid (notification, no over-compensation and loss of 30%).