Brussels, 30/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is expected to adopt a proposal for transferring 5% of tobacco production aid to the Community Tobacco Fund. €16.9 million a year will therefore be made available for 2008 and 2009 to finance measures in the following areas: actions for improving public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption; reconversion of tobacco producers into other crops and other economic activities creating jobs. This fund (which above all benefits Italy and Greece) has existed since 2002 and is still being financed out of revenue from bonuses paid to farmers. (L.C.)