Brussels, 17/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - As previously announced (see EUROPE 9734), the European Commission, on Wednesday 17 September, adopted a proposal amending the food distribution programme to the EU's most deprived. The proposal aims to increase the programme budget, extend the range of products which can be provided and make it easier to purchase food on the open market, after the virtual disappearance of intervention stocks.
Since it was set up in 1987, the Community food distribution programme has already helped “millions of Europeans”, said Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel. In 2006, 13 million people in 19 EU countries received food from the programme. In 2008, the hike in food prices has led to increased numbers of people in need. 43 million EU citizens cannot afford a meal with meat, chicken or fish every second day.
The scheme was originally designed to use up surplus food stocks. In the mid-1990s, it was amended to allow food to be bought on the market, but only under certain conditions. Today “thanks in part to our reforms, surpluses are a thing of the past”, Fischer Boel said. The Commission now proposes to allow food to be bought on the open market on a permanent basis. It proposes to increase the programme budget by two thirds to €500 million per year, with effect from 2009. The budget set for 2008 is €307 million. Some countries, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom, have elected not to take part in the scheme in 2008. To improve its effectiveness and ensure continuity, it is proposed that a three-year distribution plan should be established.
Co-financing. In future, member states will have to finance part of the programme. For the first three-year programme (2010 to 2012), Community participation will be by way of 75% in EU countries (but 85% in Cohesion Fund beneficiary countries). For the period 2013-2015, Community participation will be 50% (75% in cohesion countries). “Of course, co-financing generates more money”, said Ms Fischer Boel.
New products that may be distributed within the framework of the programme will include pigmeat and poultry meat, as well as fruit and vegetables “for a healthier diet”. (L.C./transl.rt)