A4-0079/96

Resolution on the need for support measures for producers and processors of European wool

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Hyland on the recognition of wool as an agricultural product (B4-0020/94),

- having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Pasty, on behalf of the RDE Group, and Mrs Muscardini on the inclusion of the wool sector under agricultural products (B4-0444/94),

- having delegated the power of decision, pursuant to Rule 52 of its Rules of Procedure, to its committee responsible,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A4-0079/96),

A. whereas wool is not expressly included in Annex II of the EC Treaty, although it is covered in Chapter 5 'Agricultural products of animal origin which are not indicated or included elsewhere¨,

B. whereas sheep farming is of considerable socio-economic significance throughout the European Union, and of particular importance in areas of rural decline,

C. whereas finance for development of the wool industry should not be drawn from the common organization of the market in sheepmeat,

D. whereas there is a risk that low wool prices will limit the extent of sheep- rearing in the EU, with detrimental consequences for rural areas, and that wool production undertakings will have to resort increasingly to imported wool,

1. Calls for the creation of interprofessional structures at European and national level which will include breeders, industrial partners, artisans and researchers so that structural aids are efficiently used and benefit the industry as a whole in a durable manner;

2. Believes that a research programme should be drawn up into possible methods of increasing utilisation of wool, taking account of the most recent technological developments and environmental requirements;

3. Calls for the creation of a series of promotional and structural support measures for the wool industry and for the improvement of professional training, including the following elements:

(a) aid over and above existing aid to sheep producers for the maintenance and the installation of flocks of pure races in less-favoured zones;

(b) introduction of wool criteria in the context of genetic selection and the granting of premiums over and above existing premiums as an incentive for the dissemination of approved breeding stock;

(c) setting up of national shearing courses as well as travelling European courses for shearers and instructors;

(d) codification of European wool qualities including harmonisation of classification methods in order to establish quality-related price scales;

(e) creation of regional collection centres responsible for quality control and the stocking of wool in homogenous lots in order to facilitate the certification of origin and quality to buyers;

(f) support for the installation of new processing units in coordination with different existing European programmes (such as LEADER):

(i) utilising non-polluting sources of energy,

(ii) using innovatory machinery capable of processing small lots of wool,

(iii) favouring the creation of seasonal or part-time or multiple work, including the employment of women,

(iv) giving priority to respect for the environment (water and treatment methods, etc),

(v) favouring multi-disciplinary training;

(g) creation and promotion amongst consumers of a 'European Wool¨ label which stresses the value of maintaining traditional breeds and techniques as well as the importance of wool for rural development;

4. Believes that the necessary funds for the implementation of structural support measures for the wool industry should be made available in the context of regional and social policy programmes designed to foster development of rural areas and regions in which wool (of sheep, goats and other wool-producing animals) plays a significant part, and where employment opportunities are scarce;

5. Calls for greater support for European sheep-farmers to compensate for low wool prices in the form of a supplementary sum for the production of wool;

6. Points out that it is possible to envisage measures being undertaken by the Community for the wool sector on the basis of Article 235 of the EC Treaty;

7. Calls on the Commission to produce within the next 12 months a report for the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of these proposals and on the state of the wool sector in the European Union;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and Council.