WRITTEN QUESTION P-3056/00

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 September 2000)

Subject: Ending of support for indigenous breeds in Portugal

Support for indigenous breeds has played a key role in preserving endangered species, thereby helping to improve the quality of meat production and enhance its image in the eyes of consumers. The aid has done a great deal to revitalise the agricultural sector in certain less favoured regions in Portugal's rural heartland.

In accordance with the last Community support framework (CSF), the aid in question was financed under the Portuguese rural development plan. The plan for the period 2000-2006, to be implemented under the new CSF, also provided for aid. However, it has emerged that the Commission is preparing to alter the rules governing the award of aid, reducing breed-related support in cases where the number of females is below 1 000. What this basically means is that no more aid will be granted in respect of over twenty indigenous breeds and 140 000 head of livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats). The resulting cut will thus amount to some PTE 2 billion.

Is it true that the aid rules are to be altered as described above? If so, why has the Commission thought fit to make this proposal? Does it not consider such a measure to be contrary to the principle of multi-purpose farming and protection of high-quality production?

Is the Commission aware of the serious socio-economic consequences that the measure will entail for hundreds of Portuguese producers and many rural regions in the Portuguese heartland?

Does the Commission not consider it preferable to pursue a policy to promote quality and regional production that would grant a higher proportion of aid to small and medium-sized farmers instead of reducing that aid to further the interests of intensive mass production?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(30 October 2000)

For the period to 1999, aid for the preservation of endangered species was granted on the basis of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 of 30 June 1992, on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside(1). To encourage farmers to rear these less productive breeds, compensation is awarded per livestock unit (LU). Above all, this measure aims to maintain biodiversity, and can under no circumstances be considered as constituting aid in respect of farmers' income as its function is to compensate for their losses of income from rearing less productive breeds.

For the period 2000/2006, endangered breeds are supported within the framework of agrienvironmental measures laid down in articles 22 to 24 of Council Regulation 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). Under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1750/1999, laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999(3), aid can be granted to farmers rearing farm animals of local breeds indigenous to the area and in danger of exinction. In addition, local breeds must play a role in maintaining the environment in the given areas to which the measure will apply.

Under Regulation (EC) No 1750/1999, to be eligible for the measure, evidence must be provided of the endangered statute of the breed consistent with scientific data accepted by international organisations regarded as authorities in this field. The Commission has thus followed the only criterion currently available, that of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), by agreeing to assist breeds that in general

do not exceed 1000 reproducing females. Nonetheless, the Commission is currently conducting relevant scientific consultations on the suitability of possibly adopting an approach better adapted to the Community's specific situation.

(1) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(3) OJ L 214, 13.8.1999.