WRITTEN QUESTION E-2263/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 July 2002)

Subject: Uniform definition of integrated crop production

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91(1) of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs lays down the conditions under which agricultural products may be designated and advertised as organic.

Article 2(13) of Council Directive 91/414/EEC(2) of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market defines integrated plant protection.

However, the International Organisation for Biological Control (IOBC) and the International Institute for Horticultural Science have established an official definition of the term integrated pomaceous fruit growing: the commercial growing of high-quality fruit, with precedence being given to ecologically sound methods so as to minimise any undesirable side-effects and the use of agro-chemicals in order to protect the environment and human health more effectively.

Some Member States, too, have an official legal definition of integrated crop production. However, there is no European Community definition of integrated crop production.

Does not the European Commission feel that it would be appropriate to draw up a uniform definition of integrated crop production (e.g. ecologically controlled crop production which protects the environment and takes account of resistance management) in order to ensure throughout the European Union a more effective and clear designation of products grown on organic and integrated holdings and, consequently, to protect producers and consumers?

(1) OJ L 198, 22.7.1991, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 October 2002)

The Commission is aware of the existence of various definitions of integrated production, integrated agricultural systems, integrated pest control and integrated crop management. All these definitions come under the more general heading of sustainable agriculture.

In some Member States integrated agriculture is the subject of provisions with a specific national or regional link reflecting local climate and geology.

In 2000 the Commission arranged for a study on integrated crop management to be carried out, the findings of which were published in March 2002. This used case studies to investigate the various systems and found, despite common reference to certain key elements, that there are wide differences in interpretation of the concept and great potential variability in the conditions of its application.

Organic farming on the other hand is governed by rigorous principles underpinned by a common philosophy and common goals; production rules are detailed and supervision strict. Such a system would be difficult to set up for integrated agriculture, covering as it does very diverse fields and a multiplicity of circumstances and aims.

At present, therefore, it is not easy to draw up a uniform definition of integrated production; with time a clearer picture should emerge of the trend of these practices in the Member States, but they ought to be encouraged given their often more beneficial impact on the environment and human health.

As announced in its mid-term review of the common agricultural policy(1), the Commission is nonetheless examining how best to improve implementation of environmental, food safety, animal health and welfare and occupational safety standards and to encourage farmers to take part in quality assurance and certification schemes recognised by the Member States.

(1) COM(2002) 394 final.