WRITTEN QUESTION E-1039/00

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(4 April 2000)

Subject: Social and economic measures to reduce the pig population in Flanders

In late February Mrs Margot Wallström, Commissioner with responsibility for the environment, said in her answer to written question E-2686/99(1) that she was aware of the serious problems facing the Flemish Region because of the presence of considerable quantities of phosphorous and nitrogen.

The high concentrations of phosphorous and nitrogen come from chemical fertilisers and natural fertiliser from stockbreeding. Mrs Wallström said that these excessive quantities are the cause of widespread pollution of the groundwater, as witness the reports of the Vlaamse Milieumaatschappij (Flemish Environmental Society), and eutrophication of most surface water. They are also a factor in eutrophication of the North Sea.

The feeling is gradually gaining ground in Flanders that there are too many pigs in relation to agricultural land to dispose of the fertiliser without endangering humans and the environment. The pig population is currently in the order of 8 million. In 1992 there were 6 545 000 pigs and only five years later the number had risen to 7 367 653. The question therefore needs to be raised and answered as to whether it would not be advisable to opt for social and economic measures to reduce the pig population.

In view of the serious nature of the problem and the fact that the nitrates directive takes precedence over the European market regulation for pigmeat, can European funds be used to (partially) finance a reduction in the pig population in Flanders? If so, within what legislative and financial framework are social and economic measures to cut the pig population possible? If not, is the Commission prepared to create a legislative and financial framework for social and economic measures to reduce the pig population?

(1) OJ C 280 E, 3.10.2000, p. 103.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(14 June 2000)

The question of reducing the pig population in Flanders and possible socio-economic flanking measures needs examination from several angles: the common market organisation (CMO), rural development and Structural Funds policy, and national aid schemes.

The CMO for pigmeat makes no provision for reducing the pig population in Member States. Producers carry full responsibility for the number of pigs on their farm. This goes for any increase in herd size or any reduction necessary pursuant to Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources(1). The Community cannot therefore under the CMO provisions contribute to financing any reduction in the Flemish pig population needed for compliance with the requirements stemming from the Directive.

Obviously, however, producers are not necessarily free to do whatever they wish that is not prohibited under the CMO. They must comply with all standards and requirements stemming from Community, national or regional legislation other than that lying within the CMO ambit, and this may directly or indirectly affect the number of animals that can be kept on the farm.

As far as reduction of the pig population through permanent cessation of farming is concerned, Council Regulation (EEC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations(2) provides for Community aid for early retirement. National aid for non-reversible cessation of livestock farming is also possible under the Guidelines for State aid in the agriculture sector(3). Flanders has not so far formally proposed either of these aids.

For farms meeting at least the minimum environmental, health and animal welfare standards, Community financing is also possible under Regulation (EEC) No 1257/1999 for agri-environmental measures such as conversion to organic farming and extensification. Both are included in the Flemish rural development plan for 2000-2006, now under examination by the Commission with adoption expected this autumn.

The reduction of animal herds is not, however, eligible for Community financing if the number of animals on the farm exceeds the limit set by Directive 91/676/EEC. In vulnerable zones this corresponds, per hectare, to an amount of manure containing 170 kg N.

For a number of sectors including pigmeat, the Flemish rural development plan also includes investment aid (for farms meeting the above minimum requirements) for diversification primarily to boost sustainable farming and raise incomes. This measure could also be used to restructure pig farming.

Lastly, the Structural Funds (Council Regulation (EC) No 1620/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds(4)) can be used to give assistance in Objective 2 zones and are the Community instruments par excellence in regions requiring support for socio-economic conversion. The Structural Fund provisions for 2000-2006 include Community support for rural areas threatened by serious structural problems in agriculture. Flanders has not however included in its Objective 2 zones rural areas where the situation of pig farming calls for restructuring.

(1) OJ L 375, 31.12.1991.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(3) OJ C 28, 1.2.2000.

(4) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.