# CE2004070EN.01005401.xml

| 20.3.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 70/54 |
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20.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 70/54

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(2004/C 70 E/057)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1627/03

by Jan Mulder (ELDR) and Toine Manders (ELDR) to the Commission

(13 May 2003)

Subject:   Financial consequences of avian influenza for hatching-egg producers

Subject:

Avian influenza has now spread to several Member States, resulting in major financial problems for the sector.

Holdings which have been cleared receive compensation under European rules. Regrettably, that does not apply to hatching-egg producers.

In the vast majority of cases, producers are unable to market their eggs as hatching eggs; rather, they can sell them only as eggs for consumption, which have a much lower market value.

| 1. | Does the Commission see any way of supporting producers who have been badly affected? |
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1.

Does the Commission see any way of supporting producers who have been badly affected?

| 2. | How, more specifically, does the Commission view the possibility of establishing rules for buying-in hatching eggs? |
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2.

How, more specifically, does the Commission view the possibility of establishing rules for buying-in hatching eggs?

| 3. | How does the Commission intend to deal in the longer term with the serious economic and secondary harm to those indirectly hit by such outbreaks of animal diseases? Is the Commission prepared to consider setting up largely privately funded systems to insure against such losses throughout the European Union? |
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3.

How does the Commission intend to deal in the longer term with the serious economic and secondary harm to those indirectly hit by such outbreaks of animal diseases? Is the Commission prepared to consider setting up largely privately funded systems to insure against such losses throughout the European Union?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2003)

(18 June 2003)

| 1. | The Netherlands may obtain a financial contribution from the Community, by means of veterinary funds, of 50 % of eligible expenditure for the compensation of farmers for the compulsory culling of animals and the compulsory destruction of eggs under eradication measures related to outbreaks of Avian Influenza. |
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1.

The Netherlands may obtain a financial contribution from the Community, by means of veterinary funds, of 50 % of eligible expenditure for the compensation of farmers for the compulsory culling of animals and the compulsory destruction of eggs under eradication measures related to outbreaks of Avian Influenza.

| 2. | The Member State concerned, under National Aid Scheme can establish a buying-up policy related to poultry and eggs in restriction zones, provided that such scheme comply with community rules for national aid in agriculture. |
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2.

The Member State concerned, under National Aid Scheme can establish a buying-up policy related to poultry and eggs in restriction zones, provided that such scheme comply with community rules for national aid in agriculture.

| 3. | The Commission has already emphasized insurance policies as a potential mean to deal with indirect losses caused by large outbreaks of animal diseases. A study supported by the Commission is currently being finalized on this issue. |
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3.

The Commission has already emphasized insurance policies as a potential mean to deal with indirect losses caused by large outbreaks of animal diseases. A study supported by the Commission is currently being finalized on this issue.

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