Brussels, 15/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 20 November, the European Commission is to adopt its proposal on guide prices for 2007, for fresh and frozen fisheries products and on prices for yellowfin tuna destined for the processing industry. The slightly strange procedure followed each year means that the experts of the Member States agree on these prices before the Commission's proposal has even been officially presented. This dossier will be examined on Thursday 16 November by the Council working group specialised in fishery affairs. The regulation will then be adopted by the Council of Ministers of the EU, most likely in December.
For fresh products, in comparison with the current situation, the Commission is suggesting an increase in prices between 0.5% and 3% for the "majority" of species of white fish, including saithe and haddock. However, it suggests a reduction in prices for other white fish, such as cod and dogfish. For deep-sea species, the proposal includes increases at levels between 1.5 and 3% for mackerel, Spanish mackerel, anchovy and herring, but reductions between 1.5 and 2% for white tuna and sardines. Very slight increases are proposed for crustaceans.
In the frozen fish sector, the proposal largely reflects the drop in prices on international markets. However, increases have been suggested (between 1.5 and 3%) for Greenland halibut, "Illex" squid and prawns. Lastly, the Commission proposes a 5% increase in Community production prices for tuna-based products.
It is worth noting that the guide prices are used to determine the purchase prices for fisheries products which are withdrawn from the market once they reach a minimum price. The management of these withdrawals is carried out by producer organisations. Depending on the products withdrawn, fishermen affiliated to these organisations receive compensation which is partly financed by the Community budget. (lc)