Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION amending Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 concerning the conversion of land currently under arable crops to extensive livestock farming in Portugal

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Council Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 authorises Portugal to implement for a period of eight years ending on 31 December 2002 a programme for the conversion of land in certain regions of the country currently under arable crops to extensive livestock farming, up to a maximum of 200 000 hectares.

Because of delays in the effective application of the conversion programme, caused, in particular, by the need to make adjustments to the initial scheme by the adoption of Council Regulation (EC) No 1461/95, it appears that it has not yet been possible to convert a large number of areas that are potentially eligible for the scheme.

According to information supplied by Portugal, only 46 000 hectares were converted during the first six years of the scheme and, at the current rate of conversion, only an estimated total of 64 000 hectares will be converted by 31 December 2002, rather than the 200 000 hectares provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1017/94.

In order to permit the objective set for the scheme to be achieved more fully, it is proposed that Portugal be authorised to continue with the conversion scheme for an additional period of three years.

2001/0233 (CNS)

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION amending Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 concerning the conversion of land currently under arable crops to extensive livestock farming in Portugal

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [1],

[1] OJ C ..., ..., p. ...

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [2],

[2] JO C ..., ..., p. ...

Whereas:

(1) Because of delays in the effective application of the conversion programme provided for by Council Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 [3], a large number of areas that are potentially eligible for the scheme have not yet been converted. According to information supplied by the Member State, only 46 000 hectares have so far been converted and, at the current rate of conversion under the scheme, only an estimated total of 64 000 hectares will be converted by 31 December 2002, the date on which the scheme terminates, rather than the 200 000 hectares provided for in Article 1 of the Regulation. In order to permit the objective set for the scheme to be achieved more fully, Portugal should be authorised to continue with the conversion scheme for three further years.

[3] OJ L 112, 3.5.1994, p. 2. Regulation amended by Regulation (EC) No 1461/95 (OJ L 144, 28.6.1995, p. 4).

(2) Since a time limit was placed on the programme, Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 lays down that the specific reserve and any rights not yet allocated should lapse at the end of the programme. It should therefore be laid down that the specific reserve and any rights not yet allocated lapse at the end of the additional period of three years.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Regulation (EC) No 1017/94 is amended as follows:

1. Article 1 is replaced by the following:

"Article 1

Portugal shall be authorised to carry out, for a period of eleven years, in the regions listed in the Annex to this Regulation, a programme for the conversion of land currently under arable crops to extensive livestock production, up to a maximum of 200 000 hectares."

2. Article 7 is replaced by the following:

"Article 7

At the end of the eleventh year following the entry into force of this Regulation, unallocated premium rights shall lapse and the specific reserve shall be abolished."

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

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