WRITTEN QUESTION E-1109/00

by Eija-Riitta Korhola (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(11 April 2000)

Subject: Level and basis for calculation of horse-breeding subsidy in the different Member States

In the countries bordering on the Baltic Sea, large numbers of thoroughbred horses have been bred for a very long time. In Finland thoroughbred horse-breeding goes back 400 years, and the Finnish Thoroughbred Association has officially been in existence for over 75 years. The breed used in all these countries is the same, the East Prussian or Trakehner horse. Alongside the Trakehners, other local breeds such as the Finnish or North Swedish horse, are often represented.

The subsidy payable per horse is FIM 500 per year, whereas the subsidy for an ordinary cow is twice that amount. However, horses are at least as important as cows in preserving the traditional countryside and in engendering a positive image for rural areas, and the cost of raising horses, which are generally kept singly, tends to be higher owing to the marginal utility effect than that for cows, several of which are usually kept on the same farm.

I therefore have the following questions for the Commissioner:

- Is it true that the EU pays or intends to pay subsidies in respect of thoroughbred horses on a different basis in some countries around the Baltic Sea than in others, even though these countries are united by the same conditions, breeds and history?

- Does the Commission consider e.g. from the point of view of managing the traditional countryside that there is any justification for depriving thoroughbred horse-breeding of subsidies in some Member States?

- What are the criteria for decisions on the payment of such subsidies and on what basis are decisions to grant them taken?

- Has the Commission any plans to revise the level of subsidies granted, e.g. by reference to the subsidies paid for cows?

- If no decisions have yet been taken, what is the timescale for taking such decisions?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 May 2000)

Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund(1) includes under the agri-environment heading Community support in promotion of genetic diversity. It is up to Member States to decide in line with their individual situations and priorities whether or not to make use of this category of measure.

On the subsidy rate payable, Member States shall determine the need to provide an incentive mldr on the basis of objective criteria (Article 18 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1750/1999 of 23 July 1999(2) on application of Regulation No 1257/1999). This applies to all the agri-environment measures.

The Finnish authorities have proposed a subsidy programme for various local breeds (horses, cattle, sheep etc.) specifying numbers of animals and rates.

The Commission's decision on this will be taken as soon as possible through the procedure indicated in Article 50(2) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds(3).

(1) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.

(2) OJ L 214, 13.8.1999.

(3) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.