Brussels, 10/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - Certain elements in the European Commission's proposal to simplify provisions in the Common Market Organisation of milk products have been criticised by several member states. During the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) meeting on 2 April meeting, certain delegations, like France, Spain and Poland, opposed the suppression of the aid system to private storage of powdered fat-free milk. The Commission intends to get rid of these subsidies because they have not been mobilised for a long time. These countries believe that the security net has to be kept in the even that it is needed. They also oppose political decisions being taken before the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) bill of health, due to start in 2008. The German presidency pointed to a minority blockage on this dossier.
The SCA also examined Commission suggestions on the milk distribution aid system to schools. The Commission is proposing to set a single aid rate, independent of the fat content rates. Several countries, such as France, Spain, Luxembourg and Poland believe that the single rate (€16.11) was too low and would “demonise” full-fat milk, which would receive less aid than now, contrary to that for fat-free milk. These countries are asking for the current set up to be maintained - to aid rates (one for fat-free and half-fat milk and another, see above, for full-fat milk). They will claim that full-fat milk contains vitamins that are not contained in fat-free milk; that this product is rich in proteins and is not in any way responsible for problems of obesity in young children. Several countries have requested the list of products eligible for Community funding to be extended to the distribution of milk products in schools: butter milk (request from Denmark), certain cheeses (France). The Commission is proposing getting rid of EU aid to the distribution of flavoured milk (which often contains too much sugar), which some countries are opposing. (lc)