16.4.84 Official Journal of the European Communities NoC 103/35 
Point 1.6 
Add a second paragraph: 
'The Committee also urges support for smaller investments (e.g. involving flocks of up to 20 000 
laying hens or 50 000 broilers) in the egg and poultrymeat sector, in order to counter the compe­
tition distortions which work to the advantage of large-scale producers and to retain this sector 
for small farmers'. 
Voting: 
For: 11, against: 46, abstentions: 10. 
Point 3.1 
Add the following: 
'So that farmers can continue preserving and taking care of the countryside the minimum farm-
size eligible for the compensatory allowance should be reduced from three to two hectares in cer­
tain disadvantaged areas.' 
Voting: 
For: 17, against: 55, abstentions: 10. 
Opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation No 136/66/EEC 
on the establishment of a common organization in the market in oils and fats 
(84/C 103/12) 
The text referred to the Committee has been published in Official Journal of the Euro­
pean Communities No C 301 of 8 November 1983, page 5. 
A. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE OPINION 
On 24 October 1983 the Council referred the abovementioned proposal to the Econ­
omic and Social Committee in accordance with Articles 47 and 198 of the Treaty 
establishing the European Economic Community. 
B. OPINION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE 
The Economic and Social Committee prepared its opinion on the above matter at its 
915th plenary session held in Brussels on 29 February and 1 March 1984. 
The full text of the opinion is as follows: 
THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Economic Community, and in particular 
Articles 47 and 198 thereof, Having regard to the request made by the Council 
of the European Communities on 24 October 1983 
for an opinion on the proposal for a Council Regu­
lation amending Regulation No 136/66/EEC on the 
establishment of a common organization of the mar­
ket in oils and fats, 
No C 103/36 Official Journal of the European Communities 16. 4. 84 
Having regard to the decision taken by its Bureau 
on 25 October 1983 instructing it to draw up an 
opinion on this matter, 
Having regard to the opinion adopted by the Sec­
tion for Agriculture at its 249th meeting, held on 9 
and 10 February 1984, 
Having regard to the oral report made by the rap­
porteur, Mr de Caffarelli, 
Having regard to the discussions on 1 March 1984, 
during the 215th plenary session held on 29 Feb­
ruary and 1 March 1984, 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING OPINION 
by a unanimous vote: 
1. The Committee has examined the Commission 
proposal to introduce a guarantee threshold for sun­
flower seed. 
The Community is a net importer in this sector. 
The Committee does not think it necessary to 
achieve self-sufficiency in this sector at all costs, 
particularly since imports create a certain amount of 
economic activity. In any case, it is unrealistic to 
introduce a guarantee threshold in a production sec­
tor where there has been such a large shortfall and 
which has experienced no sales difficulties. 
2. Nor is it logical in general to impose guarantee 
thresholds in sectors with a production shortfall, 
since these production sectors can help to reduce 
the economic dependence of the Community and 
create economic activity and jobs, as well as rep­
resenting potential alternative forms of production. 
Done at Brussels, 1 March 1984. Consequently, an attempt should be made to extend 
production support to a wider range of high-protein 
products. 
The Community has retained duty-free arrange­
ments for oleaginous products, and has introduced 
in some sectors a deficiency payment intended to 
make up the difference between world and Com­
munity prices. This has important consequences for 
the Community budget. 
The Committee wonders whether it is logical and 
sufficient to confine oneself to financial facts, ignor­
ing the causes and effects which have led to the situ­
ation in this production sector. 
3. The Committee feels that it is quite appropriate 
to grant Community aid in 'deficit' sectors, if this 
aid can secure a desirable additional output of the 
deficit product and/or a reduction of the output of 
products in surplus. 
However, it would not be sensible to grant Com­
munity aid if this aid were not warranted by econ­
omic and agricultural constraints or if it stimulated 
production artificially. 
The Committee considers that the Community 
should give impartial treatment to the various prod­
uction support systems in order to prevent distor­
tions affecting certain marginal crops, such as nut 
oil and grape pip oil. The Committee accepts, how­
ever, that some oil and fat products can be disposed 
of profitably at market prices without aid being 
necessary. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Francis CEYRAC