WRITTEN QUESTION E-0014/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Mussel farming in the EU

Mussel farming is of vital importance in the coastal region of Galicia, where there are some 11 500 jobs directly linked to the sector, of which 8 500 are permanent, as well as 7 000 jobs indirectly related to it. This is particularly important, bearing in mind that the resources generated by mussel production are spread across a broad social base and that decisions are taken locally, with the result that funds are reinvested in the region. This has a multiplier effect on the local economy, helping to produce socio-economic stability.

As far as aquaculture in general is concerned it is mussel farming which is the backbone of the sector, since between 250 and 300 million kilos of mussels are cultivated annually in Galicia, making it the world's second largest producer after China and the leading European producer, accounting for 50 % of total EU production, with 35 % being sold fresh, 41 % earmarked for traditional processing and 24 % for new alternative processing methods, which are increasingly popular.

Will the Commission provide details concerning the control measures applied by the EU to mussel imports from third countries, particularly as regards the need to ensure the same health and quality standards as those required for Community mussels?

Does the Commission not think that mussels should be included as a sensitive product under the agreements on the establishment of free trade zones with third countries?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 2001)

The Honourable Member's attention is drawn to the reply the Commission gave to his Written Question E-0529/99(1), which deals with the hygiene provisions applying to imports of fishery products from third countries.

In addition, it can be said that while the import of general fisheries products is currently permitted from 101 countries and territories (of which 54 are fully harmonised and 47 pre-listed) the import of bivalve molluscs (including mussels) is currently permitted from only 14 countries (of which eight are fully harmonised and six pre-listed), which is an indicator of the very strict provisions which apply.

Mussels of the genus Mytilus spp. pay a most favoured nation (MFN) duty of 10 % and a generalised scheme of preferences (GSP) duty of 7 % when imported into the Community. Mussels of the genus Perna spp. pay a MFN duty of 8 % and a GSP duty of 2,8 %. Prepared or preserved mussels of both species pay a MFN duty of 20 % and a GSP duty of 7 %.

This tariff structure shows that unprepared mussels are not as sensitive as prepared mussels, and that they benefit from a moderate level of protection, even when imported from outside preferential or free trade arrangements. Community imports of these products are very modest, representing only 1 % of the Community production. However, regarding mussels, the Community is a net exporter.

Under these circumstances, the Commission does not envisage excluding mussels or restricting free trade in mussels in future negotiations of free trade agreements. However, the Commission will take into account Member States' concerns regarding the possible sensitivity of mussels in such negotiations.

(1) OJ C 370, 21.12.1999.