WRITTEN QUESTION E-3556/98

by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission

(1 December 1998)

Subject: Promotion of local speciality agricultural products

The opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the "Promotion of local speciality agricultural products as a development instrument under the new CAP" points out that original manufacturing methods are used to make premium local products, always from quality raw materials, that the appearance and specific taste of these products make them more appealing than other similar products, and that they are always associated with a particular region.

Premium local products are mainly produced in disadvantaged mountainous areas. The added value generated by these products provides greater stability in the production system and the employment situation, which helps to prevent rural depopulation, preserves the dignity of local populations and makes a valuable contribution to rural development.

Against the background of a new CAP and of Agenda 2000, which promises another period of great change for European farmers, can the Commission put into practice effective measures and methods to promote quality local products, which are an integral part of Europe's historical and cultural heritage? The use of designations of origin for product imitations made outside the official place of origin must not be allowed. No country, region or product, within or even outside the European Union, has the right to usurp something which has been built up by the hard work of the manufacturers of quality local products.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 December 1998)

The Commission entirely shares the Honourable Member's concerns.

When the Council adopted Regulation (EEC) 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs on 14 July 1992(1), it had the aim of promoting and developing typical quality products in the Community in the light of experience already gained in some Member States and given the trend in consumer patterns towards preferring quality linked to the origin of products.

Producer groups can now apply, via their Member State and following a set procedure, to have geographical designations registered either as a protected designation of origin (PDO) or as a protected geographical indication (PGI), both of which afford protection against misappropriation, imitation and any other practice designed to mislead the public about the true origin of products. The Regulation thus also provides rural communities with an important asset for their own development, particularly the less-favoured areas and especially mountain regions, by improving farming incomes and promoting stability of the farming population.

Agenda 2000(2) does not in any way conflict with the reform of the common agricultural policy introduced in 1992, which included Regulation (EEC) 2081/92 as the sole means of developing and promoting typical quality products identified by their geographical origin. Indeed, that Regulation itself is only part of a general Community policy on quality which also involves Council Regulation (EEC) 2082/92 of 14 July 1992 on certificates of specific character for agricultural products and foodstuffs(3), and Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs(4).

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.

(2) COM(97) 2000 final.

(3) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992.

(4) OJ L 198, 22.7.1991.