WRITTEN QUESTION E-0520/00

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(28 February 2000)

Subject: Environmentally-damaging agricultural practices in the Almenara marshlands (area protected under the LIFE programme)

The Almenara marshland area is being steadily drained by means of water extraction pumps and this is having a serious effect on the level of the water table. It is now over ten years since the last occurrence of the traditional winter flooding which is so beneficial to crops such as rice which are adapted to that kind of environment. The reason why these wetlands are drying out is that the cultivation of citrus fruit by agricultural companies which receive funding from the EAGGF and which pursue their activities with the consent of the Valencian authorities is becoming increasingly widespread.

The area under greatest threat which covers the districts of Almenara, Benavites, Quartell, Sagunt, La Llosa and Xilxes has been included by the Spanish authorities in the Nature 2000 Network since it is regarded as being representative of a number of habitats, some of which are home to certain species which have been allocated priority status in the Annexes to the Directive on habitats. In addition to its significant environmental and landscape value the Almenara marshland area provides ideal conditions for native plants and for many endemic species of fauna.

Local environmental associations, in particular Accío Ecologista Agró, have repeatedly complained about these environmentally-damaging agricultural practices to the appropriate authorities but this has not so far led to any cutback in the operations of the extraction pumps which are damaging marshlands protected under the LIFE programme.

In view of the fact that the EAGGF regulation establishes a framework for the application of Community aid to underpin sustainable rural development, has the Commission considered opening an enquiry (including the dispatch of a delegation to Almenara if this is deemed necessary) into the damage done to the Almenara wetlands as a result of agricultural activities financed by the EAGGF? Does the Commission not think that EAGGF funds and other possible forms of aid should be used to increase agricultural employment in activities which will not damage the area in question, which is protected under the LIFE programme?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 April 2000)

The Marjal de Almenara site in Valencia has been proposed by Spain as a Site of Community Importance for inclusion in the Natura 2000 network under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora(1). The Commission is currently supporting this site as part of a LIFE-nature project.

The Commission has written to the Spanish authorities requesting information on the specific situation at the Marjal de Almenara site described by the Honourable Member and asking for their comments, in particular as regards compliance with Community legislation in force.

It should be noted that the new rural development policy adopted in June 1999, to which the Honourable Member refers, has become the second cornerstone of the common agricultural policy. The support given to sustainable rural development by 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), relating to agricultural activities and their reconversion, may concern, inter alia, the preservation and promotion of a high nature value and a sustainable agriculture respecting environmental requirements. Member States may include in their rural development programmes and Objective 1 operational programmes the establishment of the Natura 2000 network and the preservation of areas in the network. Compensatory payments can be made by the EAGGF for the maintenance of agricultural activity in these areas where farmers may lose income because of specific requirements deriving from the application of Community legislation, as would be the case in the area in question. Under the same Regulation investments with environmental protection objectives could also be cofinanced.

(1) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.