WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2254/96 by Angela SIERRA GONZÁLEZ to the Commission. Specific supply arrangements (SSA) for the Canary Islands
Date: 1996-07-26
Institutions: European Parliament, SIERRA GONZALEZ
Subjects: Canary Islands, agricultural product, aid system, customs duties, import, livestock farming, supply, supply balance sheet













EUR-Lex - 91996E2254 - EN






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91996E2254

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2254/96 by Angela SIERRA GONZÁLEZ to the Commission. Specific supply arrangements (SSA) for the Canary Islands  


Official Journal C 365 , 04/12/1996 P. 0101 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-2254/96 by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (26 July 1996)Subject: Specific supply arrangements (SSA) for the Canary IslandsStockfarmers in the Canary Islands have publicly expressed their concern at the difficult situation they face. The problems are due to the discrepancy between the measures laid down in the specific supply arrangements (SSA) provided for in the programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary Islands (POSEICAN) and the level of economic support enjoyed by stockfarmers in the Canary Islands.One of the objectives of POSEICAN is 'the development of stockfarming to meet local market needs' (Title III, Article 6.7 of POSEICAN). However, as a result of the application of the SSA, between 1988 and 1995 imports of refrigerated meat quintupled from 3205 tonnes to 15 500 tonnes. Similar situations apply to cheese and liquid milk.In addition to the discrepancy between aid to local stockfarming and the import facilities allowed under the SSA, cereal prices have increased and aid for cereal imports has been reduced. Given current levels of support for stockfarming and the fall in demand for beef and veal, this sector in the Canaries is doomed to extinction unless aid for Canary Island stockfarmers is increased.1. Is the Commission aware of the impact on Canary Island stockfarming of the reduction in aid for cereal imports?2. Does the Commission plan to introduce any form of special aid for the Canary stockfarming sector to restore the balance in the face of imports allowed under the SSA and thereby guarantee the industry's survival?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1996)Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/92 concerning specific measures for the Canary Islands with regard to certain agricultural products ((OJ L 173, 27 June 1992. )) establishes specific supply arrangements (SSA) whereby, in order to meet local requirements for everyday consumption or manufacturing, the Canaries can import non-Community products duty-free and bring in Community products on terms equivalent to the exempted products purchased on the world market. The Regulation also provides for measures to assist local production in various sectors.For the purposes of the SSA, the Commission, working jointly with the national authorities on the basis of their proposals, establishes the quantities to be imported into the Canaries under the special arrangements each marketing year.The Commission is fully aware of the the sort of consequences described by the Honourable Member and the importance of striking a balance between SSA imports and the expansion of local production.The Commission will assess the situation in its report on the implementation of the measures under Regulation (EEC) No 1601/92.Regarding the situation of the stockfarming sector, the Commission has recently adopted Regulation (EC) No 1204/96 ((OJ L 161, 29 June 1996. )) adjusting the level of aid.