WRITTEN QUESTION E-2541/98

by Roberta Angelilli (NI) to the Commission

(1 September 1998)

Subject: Promotion of flower production

Italy is one of Europe's major flower producers, especially in the areas of San Remo (Liguria) and Santa Marínella (Lazio). For this reason there are many professional organizations promoting initiatives and activities connected with the distribution and promotion of Italian products in this sector. Recently there appeared in the press an advertisement for this purpose by Unaflor, the national union of associations of flower producers, subsidised by the European Union.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. On the basis of what programme or initiative did Unaflor obtain the above-mentioned funding?

2. Are there any other programmes or initiatives promoted by the Commission to develop flower growing and marketing?

3. Would it be possible, on the basis of those programmes or initiatives, also to subsidise similar activities such as the promotion of trade fairs, shows and congresses?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(16 September 1998)

Since 1997 the Commission has supported the horticultural sector by participating in campaigns for the promotion of flowers in the Member States with an annual budget of ECU 15 million.

1. The national union of associations of flower producers (Unaflor) submitted an application at the time of the first promotion campaign for cut flowers and live plants in 1997. This resulted in it carrying out a promotion programme with a budget of ECU 1 978 000, of which the Community financed 60 %, i.e. ECU 1 186 979.

This year again, as part of the second promotion campaign, Unaflor submitted an application for the continuation of the initial programme with a budget of ECU 557 770, of which the Community will finance ECU 334 662. It has also proposed another programme, "Verde 2000", with a budget of ECU 1 342 499, of which the Community is to finance 60 %.

Under Commission Regulation (EC) 832/97 of 7 May 1997 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) 2275/96 introducing specific measures for live plants and floricultural products(1), Italy received an appropriation of ECU 2 543 761. It had proposed five programmes including that of Unaflor. In 1998, under Regulation (EC) 803/98(2), Italy has available ECU 2 587 129 and has proposed four promotion programmes, including the two abovementioned Unaflor programmes.

2. The promotion of products in this sector concerns 14 Member States, which, as a result of more than 30 promotion programmes over a period of already one year, have sought to achieve the objective of promoting the cultivation and marketing of cut flowers and live plants.

3. Article 2(1)(c) of Regulations (EC) 832/97 and (EC) 803/98 relates to the similar activities referred to by the Honourable Member.

It should also be mentioned in this connection that next September, in Tuscany (Pescia), at the flower show held there every two years, as an initiative of the "Toscana Piante e Fiori" Association there will be a European stand, which qualified for financial assistance as part of the European campaign for the promotion of flowers.

(1) OJ L 119, 8.5.1997.

(2) OJ L 115, 17.4.1998.