WRITTEN QUESTION P-1990/99

by Xaver Mayer (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 October 1999)

Subject: Situation of sheep farmers in the European Union

1. The economic situation of sheep farming in the European Union has been characterised for some time by unsatisfactory earnings. This applies to earnings from meat production, but also, and particularly, to those from wool production. Sheep stocks are steadily declining as a result.

(a) Does the Commission intend to take measures aimed at improving the earnings situation with regard to meat and wool?

(b) Does the Commission regard it as necessary, in particular, to promote wool as a renewable raw material?

(c) What are the reasons for and against such promotion?

2. Jewish ritual slaughter of sheep and lambs on a commercial basis is prohibited in Germany. Since there is a considerable demand for such meat, however, animals are transported to neighbouring countries and undergo such slaughter there. The resulting meat is transported back to Germany.

(a) Does the Commission take the view that the current ban in Germany on Jewish ritual slaughter constitutes a distortion of competition?

(b) Should the regulations in this area be harmonised?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(17 November 1999)

It is true that the situation for sheep producers was particularly difficult in 1998, when the price for sheepmeat fell to its lowest level since 1995. However, producers have been compensated for this loss in revenue through the ewe premium, which is 50 % higher than in the 1997 marketing year. Furthermore, a supplementary premium of 6,64 per ewe is payable to producers in less-favoured areas.

In principle, investments in sheep farming may also be funded under Regulation (EC) No 950/97 of 20 May 1997 on improving the efficiency of agricultural structures(1), provided the conditions for investment aid are complied with. Similarly, other structural aid may be granted as part of regional programmes under Objectives 1 and 5(b). Such investment aid will continue to be granted under the new Council Regulation (EC) 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).

There is no specific subsidy scheme for wool. Since wool is not an agricultural product as defined in Annex I (ex Annex II) of the EC Treaty, no EAGGF aid can be granted to wool producers.

Council Directive 93/119/EC of 21 December 1993 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing(3) lays down the minimum common standards in this area. The Directive permits kosher slaughter of sheep and goats in a slaughterhouse, since Article 5(2) provides for a derogation from the requirement that animals be stunned.

In the light of the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission will consider whether a restriction on religious slaughter in the territory of a Member State is, in these circumstances, compatible with the general rules of the EC Treaty. The Commission accepts that differences in national legislation regarding the acceptability of ritual slaughter of animals may give rise to distortions of competition. However, it should be assessed in a much wider context taking account of all the complex factors involved. At present, the Commission is not satisfied that Community legislation in this field would be appropriate.

(1) OJ L 142, 2.6.1997.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(3) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993.