EN Official Journal of the European Union C 294/12

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 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 of agricultural products

(2007/C 294/08)

Aid No: XA 93/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Apicoltura

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

Up to 50 % of eligible investments (60 % of eligible investments in the case of investments made by young farmers within five years of setting up) for the following:

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP for 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: In Basilicata, the bee-keeping sector is becoming increasingly important due to the region's natural features and the sector's structural characteristics. In general, the regional objective is to promote the qualitative and quantitative development of the bee-keeping sector while respecting the environment and the health of consumers.

The purpose of this State aid is:

to train and update bee-keepers,

to certify honey as well as to produce and certify organic honey,

to purchase machinery and equipment for honey production,

to structurally adjust honey extraction rooms,

to provide technical support for the following: business management, auxiliary services, services for the dissemination of new techniques through demonstration projects, the organisation of competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs,

to improve the conditions under which pastureland is used.

Eligible costs:

1. market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations;

2. the cost of introducing quality assurance schemes such as the ISO 9000 or 14000 series, HACCP systems, traceability systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compliance with marketing standards or environmental audit systems;

3. the cost of training personnel to apply the standards set out in the previous point;

4. charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the initial certification of quality assurance or similar systems;

5. the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment, including computer software up to the market value of the asset;

6. land investments aimed at reducing production costs, improving productivity conditions and product quality, protecting and improving the livestock's natural environment, hygienic conditions or welfare;

7. general costs linked to the expenditure under points 5 and 6 such as professional fees, feasibility studies, purchase of patents or licenses.

8. costs for the following activities: general education and training of bee-keepers and their workers (expenses related to the organisation of training programmes; travel and subsistence expenses of participants; cost of the provision of replacement services during the absence of the farmer or the farm worker); farm replacement services (the actual costs of the replacement of a farmer, the farmer's partner, or a farm worker, during illness and holidays); consultancy services provided by third parties (fees for services which do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services, or advertising); the organisation of and participation in forums to share knowledge between businesses, in competitions, exhibitions and fairs (participation fees, travel costs, costs of publications, the rent of exhibition stands, symbolic prizes awarded in the framework of competitions, up to a value of EUR 250 per prize and per winner); publications such as catalogues or websites presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product, provided that this information and the presentation are neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publications.

Relevant Articles: Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Article 14: ‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products’.

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: Animal production — Bees.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 94/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of the aid scheme: Associazioni di Produttori

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Region of Basilicata to continue providing its own regional State aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to ensuring supplementary financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme forms part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision to adopt the regional development plan for Basilicata for the period 2007-2013.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 800 000.

Maximum aid intensity: The total amount of aid that can be granted to a producer organisation or association of producer organisations under this aid scheme cannot exceed EUR 200 000.

Date of implementation: Starts on the date the regional development plan for Basilicata for the period 2007-2013 is adopted.

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: The fact that the supply of agricultural products is fragmented and no quality improvements to it have been made is one of the main obstacles to growth in the primary sector in Basilicata. The Region intends to use this aid to help establish producer organisations and associations of producer organisations that can provide their members with the support and services needed to develop the primary sector. The purpose of the aid is to establish producer associations with a view to aligning their production to market needs, in particular by concentrating supply.

Eligible expenditure includes:

Reference Articles:

Article 9: ‘Aid to producer organisations’.

Sector(s) concerned: Producer organisations and associations of producer organisations active in the production of agricultural products and/or associations of producer organisations responsible for monitoring the use of geographical indications and designations of origin or quality labels in line with EU legislation.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to continue to provide this aid in the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 95/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid award: Sapori Lucani

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Region of Basilicata to continue providing separate regional State aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision to adopt the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 100 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of eligible costs for:

This aid scheme also provides for a premium for restaurateurs in Basilicata that will be granted under Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the Treaty to de minimis aid.

Date of implementation: Starts on the date the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: The objective of this aid scheme is to add value to products and wine and culinary traditions from Basilicata marketed in Italy and worldwide. To reach this objective, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is supporting the compilation of a catalogue of all food products typical of Basilicata to promote them worldwide.

The aim of the catalogue is to promote regional production worldwide. The catalogue will present all products from Basilicata as a basket of goods, indicating the origin of each product. The catalogue will be distributed at fairs, exhibitions and competitive events such as the ‘Sapori Lucani’ prize, where the Region of Basilicata will have its own stand. The catalogue is produced as an accessory to such fairs and exhibitions and will be used only in these environments. Inclusion in the catalogue is open to all agricultural producers and will not contain any incitement to purchase the products.

Eligible expenditure includes:

Costs for:

Reference Articles:

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: All sectors of agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 96/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Meccanizzazione

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 120 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 50 % of eligible investments (60 % of eligible investments in the case of investments made by young farmers within five years of setting up) for the following:

The overall aid amount granted to an individual business may not exceed EUR 100 000 paid over any period of three financial years.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme: Up to 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: The aid is aimed at improving the efficacy and efficiency of regional agricultural holdings to make them modern and competitive on the market. The objective of the aid is:

to reduce production costs and times,

to improve production quality.

The specific objective of the aid is to promote the technological development of the region's agricultural activities by financing the purchase of machinery, equipment and computer programs.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles:

Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Sector(s) concerned: All.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 97/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Ricomposizione fondiaria

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 30 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of the expenses actually borne in respect of legal and administrative costs linked with the transaction, including the conduct of searches.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: With this aid, the Region of Basilicata intends to promote the establishment of more efficient business bases both in technical and economic terms, while revitalising rural areas by favouring generational replacement and helping young people to enter the agricultural sector.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles

Article 13: ‘Aid for land reparcelling’.

Sector(s) concerned: The entire agricultural sector.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 98/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Zootecnia

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional financing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional Decision setting out the programme as described below will be issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 4,3 million.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

Up to 70 %:

Up to 40 % (until 31 December 2011) for the introduction at farm level of innovative animal breeding techniques or practices, with the exception of costs relating to the introduction or performance of artificial insemination.

Date of implementation: From the date on which the Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: With this aid the Region of Basilicata intends to improve the efficiency and professionalism of the regional livestock sector, so helping to increase its long-term viability. The Region grants financial assistance on submission of special livestock programmes including activities for the protection and the qualitative and quantitative development of the sector and, at the same time, for the genetic improvement of the region's livestock, food safety, the introduction of certified methods and detection and identification systems ensuring race traceability and preservation, whilst combating livestock theft.

Eligible costs:

Relevant Articles:

Article 14: ‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agricultural products’,

Article 15: ‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural sector’,

Article 16: ‘Support for the livestock sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: Livestock sector.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura Sviluppo Rurale Economia Montana Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12 I-85100 Potenza Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35 Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website: Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Other information: Although it may not be expressly mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes to meet all the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’ provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for the same duration as the regional operational programme approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.