Brussels, 04/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - As already reported (see EUROPE 9399), the European Commission adopted a draft regulation on Wednesday raising the ceiling for small amounts of aid (“de minimis” aid) in the agriculture sector from €3,000 to €6,000 per beneficiary over any period of three years and the maximum total per member state from 0.3% to 0.6% of the value of agricultural output, compared with the current rules adopted in October 2004. The new rules will apply from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013. The new regulation gives a more precise definition of which types of aid fall within its scope and therefore, explains the Commission 'gives the member states greater room for manoeuvre in granting aid without distorting competition'. The 'de minimis' rules will not apply to aid depending on market prices or volumes sold on the market, aid for the export of products, or aid granting preference to food grown or produced at home rather than imported food. All aid for struggling companies will now have to be notified to the Commission. The draft regulation will be examined by member states' at two meetings, and submitted to consultation by third parties, before being adopted by the Commission at the end of the year after discussions with the member states. (eh)