# C_2006262EN.01001101.xml

| 31.10.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 262/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

31.10.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 262/11

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Summary information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products

(2006/C 262/04)

XA Number: XA 57/06

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Title of Aid scheme: Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme

Legal Basis:

Title:

‘An Act to provide for the administration of sums available for the improvement of Congested Districts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland’.

Title:

Under this Act, ‘all the powers and duties invested in or imposed on the Congested Districts (Scotland) Commissioners by the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act 1897, shall, subject as aforesaid, be vested in, transferred to, and imposed on the Board’. This refers to the Board of Agriculture which was superseded by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in 1929, and is now the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department.

Title:

Under this Act provision was made for Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to ‘...do anything, whether in Scotland or elsewhere, which is calculated to facilitate or is incidental or conducive to the discharge of their respective functions;...’ S8(1)(a)(i) included the specific provision to make grants.

Title:

Section 42(1) of this act includes provision that ‘the Secretary of State may, after consultation with the (Crofters) Commission and with the approval of the Treasury, make schemes for providing grants and loans to crofters’

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme:

| | 2005-2006: GBP 137 107 |
| --- | --- |

2005-2006: GBP 137 107

| | 2006-2007: GBP 85 279 |
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2006-2007: GBP 85 279

| | 2007-2008: GBP 17 372 |
| --- | --- |

2007-2008: GBP 17 372

| | 2008-2009: GBP 34 743 |
| --- | --- |

2008-2009: GBP 34 743

| | Total: GBP 274 500 |
| --- | --- |

Total: GBP 274 500

Maximum aid intensity: 35 % up to a maximum of GBP 3 000

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: The scheme will open on 21 July 2006. The scheme will close on 31 December 2008 with the last payments being made by 31 March 2009. However alterations may need to be made to the scheme rules before this time to reflect any changes to European state aid rules

Objective of aid: The general aim of the Scheme is reversing population decline and improving the age structure of the population in certain crofting areas. This complies with Rural Development Regulation Articles 7 & 8 in relation to Aid for setting up Young Farmers and Article 8 of the Exemption regulations 1/2004

This objective will be met by

Identifying suitable would be young entrants to crofting

Facilitating entry into crofting of suitable young entrants

Providing financial support, administrative advice and guidance to assist young would be entrants to establish themselves in crofting.

Sectors concerned: Agriculture

Name and Address of the granting authority:

| Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department |
| --- |
| Land Reform and Rural Policy Division |
| Area 1D |
| Pentland House |
| 47 Robbs Loan |
| Edinburgh |
| EH14 1TY |
| United Kingdom |

Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department

Land Reform and Rural Policy Division

Area 1D

Pentland House

47 Robbs Loan

Edinburgh

EH14 1TY

United Kingdom

Web address: Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme Leaflet:

http://www.crofterscommission.org.uk/documents/060607-HighlandsandIslandsCroftEntrantScheme-InformationBooklet2006.pdf

Other information: Further and more detailed information relating to eligibility and rules for the scheme can be found in the weblink above.

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK competent authority)

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid Advisor

Defra

8E 9 Millbank

c/o 17 Smith Square

London

SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

XA Number: XA 62/2006

Member State: United Kingdom

Title of Aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Rural Enterprise Gateway's Collaboration Service

Legal basis: Section 5 of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: 1.6.2006 to 31.3.2007: GBP 60 000

Maximum aid intensity: 100 %

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The scheme closes to new applicants on 31 March 2007. The last date for submitting grant claims is 31 May 2007. However alterations may need to be made to the scheme rules before this time to reflect any changes to European state aid rules

Objective of aid: Sector development — the aim of the scheme is to encourage, promote and support collaborative activity between agricultural and land-based businesses.

The eligible costs will be consultancy services in line with Article 14 of Regulation 1/2004

Sector(s) concerned: The scheme applies to all agricultural businesses, including production, processing and marketing. The scheme is open to all sub-sectors

Name and address of the granting authority: The statutory body responsible for the scheme is:

South West Regional Development Agency

Sterling House

Dix's Field

Exeter

EX1 1QA

United Kingdom

Web-Address: The Rural Enterprise Gateway website, which is www.sw-gateway.com; the REG Collaboration Service text can be found on the website at

http://www.sw-gateway.com/index.html?contact_categories.cfm~mainframe

Select Farming and Food Partnership, then scroll down the page and select download document

Other information: The scheme will be made available to all rural businesses, not just agricultural businesses. Aid to non-agricultural businesses will be paid with regard to Commission Regulation 69/2001 on de minimis aid.

de minimis

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK competent authority)

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid Advisor

Defra

8E 9 Millbank

c/o 17 Smith Square

London

SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

XA number: XA 63/2006

Member State: France

Region: Midi-Pyrénées — département des Hautes-Pyrénées

Parc National des Pyrénées [Pyrenees National Park] (peripheral areas)

Title of aid scheme: Aid to conserve biodiversity, the landscape and traditional buildings

Legal basis:

| — | Articles 4(3)(d) and 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 |
| --- | --- |

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Articles 4(3)(d) and 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

| — | loi no 60-708 du 22 juillet 1960 relative à la création des parcs nationaux; |
| --- | --- |

—

loi no 60-708 du 22 juillet 1960 relative à la création des parcs nationaux;

o

| — | circulaire DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5008 du 22 février 2005 du ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche et des affaires rurales; |
| --- | --- |

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circulaire DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5008 du 22 février 2005 du ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche et des affaires rurales;

| — | circulaire DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5004 DPEI/SDEA/C2005-4005 du 24 janvier 2005 du ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche et des affaires rurales; |
| --- | --- |

—

circulaire DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5004 DPEI/SDEA/C2005-4005 du 24 janvier 2005 du ministère de l'agriculture, de l'alimentation, de la pêche et des affaires rurales;

| — | délibération du conseil d'administration du Parc national des Pyrénées |
| --- | --- |

—

délibération du conseil d'administration du Parc national des Pyrénées

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000

Maximum aid intensity:: A ceiling has been set on grants towards investments of EUR 7 500 by holding and by five-year period (this amount is increased to EUR 17 500 for projects to renovate traditional buildings).

For investments in small mountain equipment used in the production process and necessary to maintain the value of natural hay meadows:

| — | the maximum rate of aid is 60 % (in addition to State and EU financing of between 20 % and 35 % up to a maximum of EUR 16 000 and aid from the Midi-Pyrénées region of between 20 % and 25 % up to a maximum of EUR 16 000). |
| --- | --- |

—

the maximum rate of aid is 60 % (in addition to State and EU financing of between 20 % and 35 % up to a maximum of EUR 16 000 and aid from the Midi-Pyrénées region of between 20 % and 25 % up to a maximum of EUR 16 000).

Aid may not entail any increase in production capacity but may help improve feed autonomy. Second-hand equipment is not eligible.

For the renovation of traditional barns, building and landscape heritage features linked to natural hay meadows which play a role in the production process:

| — | the maximum rate of aid is 75 % for investments over EUR 15 000 (in addition to State and EU financing of between 35 % and 50 % up to a maximum of EUR 35 000, and aid from the Midi-Pyrénées region and the EU of a maximum 7,5 % up to a maximum of EUR 5 250); |
| --- | --- |

—

the maximum rate of aid is 75 % for investments over EUR 15 000 (in addition to State and EU financing of between 35 % and 50 % up to a maximum of EUR 35 000, and aid from the Midi-Pyrénées region and the EU of a maximum 7,5 % up to a maximum of EUR 5 250);

| — | the maximum rate of aid is 75 % for investments below EUR 15 000 (with no part-financing). |
| --- | --- |

—

the maximum rate of aid is 75 % for investments below EUR 15 000 (with no part-financing).

In the case of projects to renovate traditional buildings, the scheme complements the national mechanism providing a financial contribution towards the additional costs generated by the specifications for the renovation of traditional buildings.

The aid is subject to the condition that renovation does not increase production capacity.

Maximum 75 % for investments in work to rehabilitate landscape features (with no part-financing)

Nature of operations eligible for aid:

| — | For the renovation of traditional buildings: internal and external masonry in stone with lime plaster, floors, carpentry and joinery work, slating work. Such renovation may not change the volumes and surface areas of the building. |
| --- | --- |

—

For the renovation of traditional buildings: internal and external masonry in stone with lime plaster, floors, carpentry and joinery work, slating work. Such renovation may not change the volumes and surface areas of the building.

| — | For the purchase of small mountain equipment adapted to steep slopes or to difficult conditions (accessibility, altitude, parcel size):






  — | haymaking equipment (self-propelled motorised mowers, automatic mowers, self-loading trailers compatible with low-loading carriers); |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

For the purchase of small mountain equipment adapted to steep slopes or to difficult conditions (accessibility, altitude, parcel size):

—

haymaking equipment (self-propelled motorised mowers, automatic mowers, self-loading trailers compatible with low-loading carriers);

| — | traction or transport equipment (low-loading carriers, tracked transporters, multi-purpose low-loading mountain tractors and tool holders, rollover safety structures for tractors in use); |
| --- | --- |

—

traction or transport equipment (low-loading carriers, tracked transporters, multi-purpose low-loading mountain tractors and tool holders, rollover safety structures for tractors in use);

| — | brush cutters, adaptable shredders on any base; |
| --- | --- |

—

brush cutters, adaptable shredders on any base;

| — | mobile or transported equipment for spreading livestock manure (distributors, fertiliser drills, windrow turners for composting the manure, solid and liquid manure spreaders, compressors). |
| --- | --- |

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mobile or transported equipment for spreading livestock manure (distributors, fertiliser drills, windrow turners for composting the manure, solid and liquid manure spreaders, compressors).

| — | For work to rehabilitate landscape features: low walls, drainage channels, hedges, etc. (work not funded by agri-environmental measures) |
| --- | --- |

—

For work to rehabilitate landscape features: low walls, drainage channels, hedges, etc. (work not funded by agri-environmental measures)

Conditions for eligibility: In the case of the complementary aid, beneficiaries must comply with Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs circulars DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5008 of 22 February 2005 and DGFAR/SDEA/C2005-5004 DPEI/SDEA/C2005-4005 of 24 January 2005.

Aid to maintain the production potential and value of natural grassland may moreover be provided at the request of the farmer and on the basis of an analysis of the natural hay meadows and a sustainable development project which must guarantee:

the environmental benefit of the project;

that it will not entail any increase in production capacity.

The Pyrenees National Park standing committee may adopt more restrictive conditions.

Aid will be monitored and targeted by the Hautes-Pyrénées Departmental Directorate for Agriculture and Forestry

Date of implementation: On receipt of an acknowledgement of receipt from the European Commission

Duration of scheme: Ends 31 December 2006.

The aid scheme may be extended until 2010 (when the Pyrenees National Park development programme comes to an end) when the annual vote is taken on the budget of the Pyrenees National Park by its management board

Objective of aid: The aim of the aid is to help maintain the specific mountain biodiversity and that of neighbouring landscapes by supporting certain investment projects by agricultural holdings focusing on traditional practices. Mountain and hill farming is very diverse, with a strong grazing base, with fodder resources provided almost exclusively by natural vegetation. Grazing is often associated with a high degree of biodiversity in mountain areas, as grazing pressure opens up mountain environments and creates exclusive habitats with a range of flora and fauna. In view of their natural heritage value and practical value, and their importance at European, national and regional level, grazing meadows are an extremely important natural environment. Thus grazing and farming activity play a key role in maintaining the variety of natural habitats which are the source of biodiversity.

Abandoning grazing would ‘close off’ the environments and result in their impoverishment and hence a long-term decline in biodiversity.

Mountain biodiversity is of great natural value in enabling the existence of a number of endemic animal and plant species in isolated environments. Like islands and deserts, mountain areas (particularly the Pyrenees) are geographical areas with the highest rates of endemic species. The number of species inhabiting mountain areas is highly dependent on the degree of openness of these mountains to the neighbouring plains and hills.

This aid is intended primarily for smallholdings, with a production system built on natural hay meadows requiring a great deal of labour input (which cannot be mechanised). It does not aim to increase production capacity. It must contribute to the maintenance of mountain and hill farming by encouraging investments which help maintain productivity and preserve the fodder production potential of traditional livestock-farming infrastructures

Sector(s) concerned: All agricultural holdings in the Pyrenees National Park (central and peripheral areas)

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Monsieur Rouchdy KBAIER, Directeur |
| --- |
| Parc National des Pyrénées |
| 59, route de Pau |
| F-65000 Tarbes |

Monsieur Rouchdy KBAIER, Directeur

Parc National des Pyrénées

59, route de Pau

F-65000 Tarbes

Website: http://www.parc-pyrenees.com/francais/documentation/exemptionpdf/exemption.pdf

XA Number: XA 64/06

Member state: Slovak Republic

Region: Western Slovakia

Title of aid scheme or name of the company receiving an individual aid:

| Poľnohospodárske družstvo Veľké Zálužie |
| --- |
| Hlavná 1 |
| SK-951 35 Veľké Zálužie |

Poľnohospodárske družstvo Veľké Zálužie

Hlavná 1

SK-951 35 Veľké Zálužie

Legal basis:

| — | Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 a § 241 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z. |
| --- | --- |

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Ustanovenie § 240 ods. 3 a § 241 ods. 3 v spojení s ustanovením § 277a zákona č. 461/2003 Z. z. o sociálnom poistení v znení zákona č. 721/2004 Z. z.

| — | Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci |
| --- | --- |

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Ustanovenie § 5 ods. 2 písm. b) zákona 231/1999 Z. z. o štátnej pomoci

| — | Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005 |
| --- | --- |

—

Metodické usmernenie Sociálnej poisťovne č. 30/2005

| — | Article 4(3)(c) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 4(3)(c) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: SKK 3 226 779 i.e. EUR 84 311,742 (exchange rate in force on 23.6.2006)

Maximum aid intensity: 40 %

Date of implementation: 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: July 2006

Objective of aid: SME — Agriculture

Sector concerned: Agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Sociálna poisťovňa |
| --- |
| pobočka Nitra |
| Slančíkovej 3 |
| SK-950 43 Nitra |

Sociálna poisťovňa

pobočka Nitra

Slančíkovej 3

SK-950 43 Nitra

Web address: www.socpoist.sk

XA number: XA 65/06

Member State: Poland

Region: Śląskie Voivodship

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Rolnicza Spółdzielnia Produkcyjna ‘Przełom’

Legal basis: Ustawa dnia 27 kwietnia 2001 r. Prawo ochrony środowiska (Dz.U. nr 62, poz. 627, z późniejszymi zmianami) — art. 405, art. 406 pkt 4 i 7a, art. 409

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The aid is granted as a soft loan of PLN 1 835 976. The loan will be paid out until 30 September 2006. Repayment will be made between January 2008 and October 2018.The gross grant equivalent amounts to PLN 262 534,36

Maximum aid intensity: The gross aid intensity is 11,97 %

Date of application: After confirmation, by means of a notification and identification number, that the European Commission has received this summary information on the individual aid in question and following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union

Official Journal of the European Union

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Estimated — from June 2006 to October 2018.

Objective of aid: The aid is intended to build a plant for the mechanical, chemical and biological treatment of sewage at the Przełom farming cooperative in Bujaków, with a view to maintaining and improving environmental protection standards by reaching the reference values laid down for treated sewage.

Sewage at the Pzełom farming cooperative is currently treated in a plant that is over twenty years old. This investment is needed because the technology used is unable to ensure that the values for treated sewage laid down in the regulations in force are reached (Decree of the Minister for the Environment of 8 July 2004 on the conditions to be met as regards the release of sewage into the water or onto the land and on the substances that are particularly harmful to the aquatic environment). On 30 January 2006 the Environmental Inspector for the Śląskie Voivodship in Katowice decided to fine the Prełom farming cooperative PLN 54 128,7 for having spread sewage on the land in violation of the conditions laid down in the permit issued pursuant to the Water Law.

Under a sewage collection contract the current treatment plant also treats effluent from the processing of fruit and vegetables at the ROLNIK Sp. z.o.o. factory.

It is planned to build a mechanical and chemical treatment plant (primary treatment) with a biological unit (secondary treatment using SBR reactors). The treated wastewater will be discharged into the Jasienica watercourse through an open culvert.

The aid will be granted under Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 for an investment to modernise the Pzełom farming cooperative's sewage treatment plant. The eligible costs will include the investment costs associated with building the treatment plant

Sector(s) concerned: The aid is granted to a food business (cereals growing, raising and slaughtering of pigs, meat and cured meats production

Name and address of the granting authority: The aid is granted from the Wojewódzki Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej w Katowicach (Voivod Fund for the Protection of the Environment and Water Management in Katowice), ulica Plebiscytowa 19, 40-035 Katowice

Wojewódzki Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej w Katowicach

Web address: www.wfosigw.katowice.pl

Other information: The gross amount of aid (gross aid intensity) will be calculated in accordance with the definition laid down in Article 2(5) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products. This is the relationship of the gross grant equivalent to the eligible costs.

The gross grant equivalent resulting from the soft loan will be calculated in accordance with the Rozporządzeniem Rady Ministrów z dnia 11 sierpnia 2004 r. w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu obliczania wartości pomocy publicznej udzielanej w różnych formach (Decree of the Polish Council of Ministers of 11 August 2004 on the method of calculating the value of public aid granted in various forms) (Polish Official Gazette No 194, item 1983). The gross grant equivalent is PLN 262 534,36.

Rozporządzeniem Rady Ministrów z dnia 11 sierpnia 2004 r. w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu obliczania wartości pomocy publicznej udzielanej w różnych formach

Eligible costs attracting assistance: PLN 2 192 867.

Total gross aid: PLN 262 534,36/2 192 867 = 11,97 %

The gross grant equivalent and the gross aid intensity have been calculated on the assumption that the loan will be paid out in the following instalments:

Aid No: XA 66/06

Member State: France

Title of aid scheme: Aid for the payment of insurance premiums and contributions relating to losses caused by various adverse weather conditions, covering in each case at least drought, hail, frost and flooding or excessive rainfall

Legal basis:

| — | Article 11 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 11 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

| — | Loi 64.706 du 10 juillet 1964 |
| --- | --- |

—

Loi 64.706 du 10 juillet 1964

| — | Article L 361-8 du livre III (nouveau) du code rural |
| --- | --- |

—

Article L 361-8 du livre III (nouveau) du code rural

| — | Article L 122.7 du code des assurances |
| --- | --- |

—

Article L 122.7 du code des assurances

| — | Décret no 2006-370 fixant les modalités d'application de l'article L.361-8 du livre II (nouveau) du code rural en vue de favoriser le développement de l'assurance contre certains risques agricoles |
| --- | --- |

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Décret no 2006-370 fixant les modalités d'application de l'article L.361-8 du livre II (nouveau) du code rural en vue de favoriser le développement de l'assurance contre certains risques agricoles

o

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 30 million from the National Guarantee Fund for Agricultural Disasters (FNGCA)

Maximum aid intensity: 35 % of the premium or contribution invoiced to the insured party, net of tax, for eligible cover. Eligible cover concerns the part of the contract with an excess of 25 % in the case of crop insurance, and 20 % in the case of farm insurance. Aid percentages are increased by 5 % for young farmers who have been established for less than 5 years

Date of implementation: 2006

Duration of scheme: One year

Objective of aid: To promote the spread of insurance against various agricultural risks. The insurance premiums for which aid is granted are those referred to in Article 11 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004

Sector(s) concerned: Enterprises involved in the primary production of fruit, vegetables, vines, cereals, oilseeds and protein plants

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Ministère de l'agriculture et de la pêche |
| --- |
| Direction des affaires financières et de la logistique |
| Bureau du crédit et de l'assurance |
| 78, rue de Varenne |
| F-75700 Paris |

Ministère de l'agriculture et de la pêche

Direction des affaires financières et de la logistique

Bureau du crédit et de l'assurance

78, rue de Varenne

F-75700 Paris

Address of website: www.agriculture.gouv.fr

Under the heading ‘Ressources’ in the ‘Recherche’ section, enter ‘Calamités’

Aid No: XA 67/06

Member State: France

Region: Département de Loire-Atlantique

Title of aid scheme: Aid to promote discussions by groups of farmers of common problems associated with sustainable development (1)

1

Legal basis:

| — | Article 14 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004. |
| --- | --- |

—

Article 14 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004.

| — | Articles L 1511-2 et L 1511-5 du code général des collectivités territoriales |
| --- | --- |

—

Articles L 1511-2 et L 1511-5 du code général des collectivités territoriales

| — | Délibération du Conseil général de Loire-Atlantique du 19 juin 2006 |
| --- | --- |

—

Délibération du Conseil général de Loire-Atlantique du 19 juin 2006

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 150 000

Maximum aid intensity:

| — | Aid for promotion is paid to the promoting organisation (chamber of agriculture, CUMA federation, or association). Subject to a ceiling of EUR 10 000 per group for a period of 18 to 24 months, it is paid for each day of promotion provided. |
| --- | --- |

—

Aid for promotion is paid to the promoting organisation (chamber of agriculture, CUMA federation, or association). Subject to a ceiling of EUR 10 000 per group for a period of 18 to 24 months, it is paid for each day of promotion provided.

| — | Eligible expenses may be journeys and visits, special advice and feasibility studies, purchases of documents or software, the cost of replacing farmers when they take part in the group's work, as invoiced by an approved organisation. The aid, at a rate of 80 %, is subject to a ceiling of EUR 8 500 per group for a period of 18 to 24 months. The self-financed 20 % may be provided by beneficiaries contributing high value-added time. The aid is paid either to the group, where this has been duly set up (association or cooperative), or to the organisation promoting it and incurring its own expenditure (Chamber of Agriculture). The group or the organisation therefore pays all the operating costs |
| --- | --- |

—

Eligible expenses may be journeys and visits, special advice and feasibility studies, purchases of documents or software, the cost of replacing farmers when they take part in the group's work, as invoiced by an approved organisation. The aid, at a rate of 80 %, is subject to a ceiling of EUR 8 500 per group for a period of 18 to 24 months. The self-financed 20 % may be provided by beneficiaries contributing high value-added time. The aid is paid either to the group, where this has been duly set up (association or cooperative), or to the organisation promoting it and incurring its own expenditure (Chamber of Agriculture). The group or the organisation therefore pays all the operating costs

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme: One year renewable on the basis of an annual assessment indicating any changes to be made and the date when the current arrangements will cease

Objective of aid: To promote projects consistent with sustainable development, as part of a collective approach. Initially (2006-2007), seven groups representing 85 farmers will be involved. The achievements of the groups will be disseminated to promote the values of sustainable development which this collective dynamic will have demonstrated

Sector(s) concerned: All sectors of agricultural production

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Monsieur le Président du Conseil général de Loire-Atlantique |
| --- |
| 3 quai Ceineray |
| BP 94109 |
| F-44041 Nantes Cedex 1 |

Monsieur le Président du Conseil général de Loire-Atlantique

3 quai Ceineray

BP 94109

F-44041 Nantes Cedex 1

Web address: www.cg44.fr

XA Number: XA 68/06

Member State: United Kingdom

Region: Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Title of Aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: The Kent Downs Rural Advice Service

Legal basis: Sections 84 and 85 of The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: 1 August 2006 to 31 March 2007: GBP 12 000

Maximum aid intensity: 100 %

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The scheme will close to new applicants on 31 March 2007. Aid will be paid until 30th June 2007

Objective of aid: Sectoral Development

The objective of the aid is to provide timely advice which will lead to diversification changes that are financially viable, environmentally sound and acceptable in planning terms. The aid is being implemented under Article 14 of Regulation 1/2004. The eligible costs are consultancy services

Sector(s) concerned: Farmers and land based rural businesses are defined as those growing and harvesting combinable crops, field vegetables, salad crops, ornamentals (including nursery stock, flowers and bulbs), herbage seeds and turf, beef sheep, pigs, dairy products, poultry and eggs, serviced tourist accommodation on farms (bed and breakfast) self catering tourist accommodation, provision of horse livery and riding stables or farm-based visitor attractions

Name and address of the granting authority:

| Kent County Council |
| --- |
| Invicta House |
| County Hall |
| Maidstone |
| Kent ME 14 1XX |
| United Kingdom |

Kent County Council

Invicta House

County Hall

Maidstone

Kent ME 14 1XX

United Kingdom

The organisation operating the scheme is

| The Kent Downs Rural Advice Service (KDAS) |
| --- |
| Kent Downs Unit |
| West Barn |
| Penstock Hall Farm |
| Canterbury Road |
| East Brabourne |
| Ashford |
| Kent TN25 5LL |
| United Kingdom |

The Kent Downs Rural Advice Service (KDAS)

Kent Downs Unit

West Barn

Penstock Hall Farm

Canterbury Road

East Brabourne

Ashford

Kent TN25 5LL

United Kingdom

Web address: http://www.kentdowns.org.uk/Rural%20Advice.htm

Scroll down the page and click on the Defra State Aid link on the right hand side

Other information: The Scheme will be made available to all land managers, not just farmers. Aid for non-agricultural activities will be paid with regard to Commission Regulation 69/2001 on de minimis aid or any Regulation which replaces it. Aid will also be available in connection with diversification from farming into non-agricultural activities.

Beneficiaries will not be able to choose the service provider. The service provider will be The Kent Downs Rural Advice Service (KDAS) who will provide consultants who were selected using a tendering exercise.

The existing Kent Downs Rural advice services scheme XA 43/2005 is due to expire on 31 July 2006. This measure will extend the scheme from 1st August 2006 to 31 March 2007, also increasing the budget further by GBP 12 000. There are no other changes that occur to the scheme and the details remain the same.

Signed and dated on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK competent authority)

Neil Marr

Agricultural State Aid Advisor

Defra

8E 9 Millbank

c/o 17 Smith Square

London

SW1P 3JR

United Kingdom

Aid Number: XA 70/06

Member State: Italy

Region: Veneto

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Annual plan for training in agriculture — Academic year 2006/07. Decision No 2113 of 4 July 2006 of the Veneto Regional Government

Legal basis: L. 845/1978 ‘Legge quadro in materia di formazione professionale’

L.R. n. 10 del 30.1.1990‘Ordinamento del sistema della formazione professionale e organizzazione delle politiche regionali del lavoro’

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Decision No 2113 of 4 July 2006 of the Veneto Regional Government authorised the allocation of EUR 2 000 000 of regional funds under regional budget heading 72040 for 2006.

Training at the workplace pursuant to the above law and aimed at agricultural workers is eligible for the scheme

Maximum aid intensity: Under Article 14(c)(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004, the overall amount of aid granted may not exceed EUR 100 000 per beneficiary for a three-year period, or 50 % of the eligible costs (whichever is greater)

Date of application: Aid is granted after the scheme is authorised by a Decision of the Regional Government and published in the Veneto Region's Official Gazette

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: The aid scheme ends after the final results of the statement of costs are verified, in any case by 30 June 2009

Objective of the aid: The Veneto Region allocates resources for implementing continuing vocational training programmes that support farmers and their assistants, technical support staff and other tradesmen working in the agricultural sector with the aim of:

promoting a culture of entrepreneurship;

improving the occupational qualifications of agricultural workers;

raising awareness of technological innovations.

Regional Law No 2113/2006 refers to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2004. In particular, the eligible costs covered by the aid scheme are those involved in implementing the training programme

Sector(s) concerned: The scheme applies to vocational training in agriculture for individuals who qualify for education and training under Law No 53/2003

Name and address of granting authority:

| Regione Veneto |
| --- |
| Segreteria Attività Produttive, Istruzione e Formazione |
| Direzione Regionale Formazione |
| Via G. allegri, n. 29 |
| I-30174 Mestre — Venezia |

Regione Veneto

Segreteria Attività Produttive, Istruzione e Formazione

Direzione Regionale Formazione

Via G. allegri, n. 29

I-30174 Mestre — Venezia

Website: www.regione.veneto.it/servizi alla persona/formazione e lavoro/formazione continua e permanente

Other information: For further details: Direzione Regionale Formazione

Tel. 0039 412795030 5029

Fax 0039 412795085

Aid number: XA 71/06

Member State: Poland

Region: Śląskie Voivodship (Województwo Śląskie)

Title of aid scheme or name of the company receiving individual aid:

| Zakłady Mięsne ‘Aleksandria’ — Dariusz Moczarski |
| --- |
| Aleksandria, ul. Gościnna 6 |
| PL-42-274 Konopiska |

Zakłady Mięsne ‘Aleksandria’ — Dariusz Moczarski

Aleksandria, ul. Gościnna 6

PL-42-274 Konopiska

Legal basis: Ustawa z dnia 27 kwietnia 2001 r. Prawo ochrony środowiska (Dz.U. nr 62, poz. 627, z późniejszymi zmianami) — art. 405, art. 406, pkt 7, 7a, art. 409 pkt 4 oraz art. 411 pkt 3

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Aid is provided in the form of partial remission (under the Law on Environmental Protection) of a preferential loan granted in 2000 for the implementation of the task ‘Modernization of the wastewater treatment plant at the Aleksandria Meat Processing Works’.

Gross aid (GGE) equals PLN 102 840

Maximum aid intensity: The gross aid intensity is 50 %

Date of application: Following confirmation, by means of a notification and identification number, that the European Commission has received this summary information on the individual aid in question and following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: From August 2006 until October 2006

Objectives of aid: The aid is intended for the implementation of the task ‘Sanitary hot water supply installation with heat recuperation from refrigeration unit and reduction of water and chemicals consumption at the return containers washing unit’. As part of the projected investment, a sanitary hot water supply installation will be executed that will enable heat recuperation from the chiller now in place; the installation will consist of heat exchangers, a hot water tank and a hot water container, circulating pumps and fittings; a return containers washing unit will also be established with automatic detergent dosage and a washings recuperation unit.

This task will have an environmental effect of enabling heat recuperation and reducing dust and gas emissions by the following amounts: dust: 0,0102 Mg/a, SO2: 0,0216 Mg/a, NO2: 0,0284 Mg/a, CO: 0,0034 Mg/a, CO2: 9,369 Mg/a; water consumption will be reduced by 780,0 m3 per year

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Relevant sectors: The aid is granted to a food business (production of meat and cured meat products)

Name and address of granting authority: The aid is granted from the Wojewódzki Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej w Katowicach (Voivod Fund for the Protection of the Environment and Water Management in Katowice), ul. Plebiscytowa 19, 40-035 Katowice.

Web address: www.wfosigw.katowice.pl

Other information: The gross amount of aid (gross aid intensity) was calculated in accordance with the definition laid down in Article 2(5) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1/2004 of 23 December 2003 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production, processing and marketing of agricultural products. This is the relationship of the gross grant equivalent to the eligible costs.

The gross grant equivalent resulting from the awarded partial remission of preferential loan was calculated in accordance with the Rozporządzenie Rady Ministrów z dnia 11 sierpnia 2004 r. w sprawie szczegółowego sposobu obliczania wartości pomocy publicznej udzielanej w różnych formach (Decree of the Polish Council of Ministers of 11 August 2004 on the method of calculating the value of public aid granted in various forms) (Polish Official Gazette No 194, item 1983). The gross grant equivalent: PLN 102 840.

Eligible costs: PLN 205 679,48.

Total gross aid: PLN 102 840 PLN/205 679,48 PLN = 50 %

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(1)  Examples of proposed topics: utilisation of pasture, development of biofuels, local management of green waste, transfer of holdings, protection of water resources, information management.

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