Today, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers chaired by the Austrian Presidency determined the total amount of support for rural development and its apportionment in the 2007-2013 fiscal period. For the entire EU, the sum available for the second pillar of the common agricultural policy (CAP) is EUR 69.75 billion. “The farmers of Europe now have a clear perspective because funds have been made available. Now the Member States must formulate forward-looking programmes. After all, a successful second pillar must already look beyond the agricultural policy of the year 2013”, said Council President Josef Pröll.
Of these funds, Austria will receive a total of EUR 3.5 billion. “This secures the basis for the environment programme, the programme for upland farmers and for boosting the competitiveness of Austrian farmers”, continued Pröll.
Agreement on Fisheries Fund – award of EUR 4.2 billion
In addition, the ministers agreed on the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) with an endowment of EUR 4.2 billion (at current prices) for the coming fiscal period 2007-2013. From January 2007, the Fisheries Fund will replace the current Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). “As a qualified majority for a compromise was not forthcoming at the Council in May, we were able to bring the chief negotiating partners on board at the informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Krems on a Danube steamer”, said Pröll. In this way, under the Austrian Presidency, it was possible to improve the Commission’s proposal, much discussed since 2004, and put together a compromise package that was accepted by all. An end was put to the longstanding conflict and the allocation of financial resources was clarified without at the same time raising the fisheries quota. “With the help of these funds, the sustainability of fisheries in Europe is to be assured”, stressed Pröll.
Pröll: Agriculture policy must not be derailed in Geneva
In addition, the EU Agriculture Ministers and the Commission discussed the upcoming WTO negotiations. There was particular criticism of the lack of reciprocity by the United States and the group of developing and emerging nations (G-20) in the negotiations. Among other things, the lack of concessions by the emerging nations regarding access to markets for industrial products was mentioned. “Agriculture policy must not be derailed at the WTO ministerial meeting in Geneva, which will take place from 29 June to 2 July 2006”, warned Pröll.
Further subsidies for processing of flax and hemp
As expected, the Ministers also agreed on an extension of the market regulations for flax and hemp. Consequently, until 2008, the EU will continue to guarantee the premiums for the processing of both long and short flax fibres.
Forest Action Plan gets a generally positive reception
In addition, there was a first exchange of opinions in Luxembourg on the EU Forest Action Plan presented by the Commission on 14 June 2006. A preliminary survey today yielded a unanimously positive reaction to the action plan. The Austrian Presidency considers this action plan to be one of its central concerns, one that is to be continued under the coming Finnish Presidency. The EU Forest Directors will also consider the action plan, the objective of which is to coordinate and optimise existing instruments in accordance with the principle of sustainability and subsidiarity, at their meeting in Gmunden on 28 and 29 June 2006.
No subsidies for private storage of poultrymeat
The Commission also stated that it would not subsidise private storage of poultrymeat. Some countries had requested that aid to poultry farmers should also apply to the end products. However, the Commission limits the compensation payments allowed for avian flu to the elimination of hatching eggs and parent stock. On Wednesday, the Management Committee for Poultrymeat will consider the national programmes at its meeting in Brussels.
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