Brussels, 29/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 29 January, the European Commission adopted a proposal to prolong existing aid for the production of flax and hemp during the marketing year 2008/2009 (starting on 1 July 2008). The Commission considers that the current aid scheme should be prolonged for another marketing year and final decisions should only be taken as of the following marketing year in the framework of the policy reviews to be undertaken under the Health Check of the Common Agricultural Policy. Under the proposal, the aid for long flax fibre will remain at the current level of €160 per tonne and the aid for short flax and hemp fibres would be kept at €90 per tonne. The national guaranteed quantities are also extended: 80,878 tonnes for long flex fibre and 147,265 tonnes for short flax and hemp fibres. The cost of extending the aid scheme for a year is €20.82 million. The Commission comments that the 2000 reforms put an end to speculative production, increase outlets and ensured the income levels hemp and flax farmers. (L.C.)