WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2096/98 by Sebastiano MUSUMECI to the Commission. Measures to prevent the disappearance of the carob tree
Date: 1998-06-30
Institutions: European Parliament, MUSUMECI
Subjects: Mediterranean region (EU), aid per hectare, crop production, environmental protection, nut, plant breeding, product quality, production aid, production improvement, protected species













EUR-Lex - 91998E2096 - EN






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91998E2096

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2096/98 by Sebastiano MUSUMECI to the Commission. Measures to prevent the disappearance of the carob tree  


Official Journal C 207 , 21/07/1999 P. 0003 





WRITTEN QUESTION P-2096/98by Sebastiano Musumeci (NI) to the Commission(30 June 1998)Subject: Measures to prevent the disappearance of the carob treeFor some time land changes and crop conversions in the Mediterranean countries have been seriously endangering the survival of the carob tree.In some regions, particularly Sicily, the threat of extinction of carob tree plantations is accentuated by violent attacks of cercosporiosis, which causes all the leaves to fall off.This represents a serious danger from the point of view of both environmental protection and the economy.Does the Commission not think it necessary to set up a discussion group composed of members from the European countries interested in cultivation of the carob tree (Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece) to define a uniform framework for action to prevent extinction of one of the most charming and typical Mediterranean plants?Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission(3 August 1998)The Commission is fully aware of the importance of preserving the carob tree. It therefore considers that all possible measures have to be taken to prevent the extinction of this species.The new common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables introduced by Regulation (EC) 2200/96(1) provides for Community financing for producer organisations which implement operational programmes intended to improve the production and marketing of fruit and vegetables as well as respect for the environment. These operational programmes, approved by the national authorities, can comprise specific measures to protect carob trees.Moreover, Commission Regulation (EEC) 2159/89 of 18 July 1989 laying down detailed rules for applying the specific measures for nuts and locust beans as provided for in Title IIa of Council Regulation (EEC) 1035/72(2) provides for per-hectare aid of from ECU 200 to 475 a year under plans introduced between 1989 and 1996 for a maximum 10-year duration, aimed at improving the quality and marketing of carobs, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios. The plans approved are managed by recognised producer organisations and include measures intended to improve the production of these products, and in particular plant health measures.In addition, in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EEC) 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside(3), the Commission approved by its decision of 10 October 1994 the agri-environmental programme for Sicily. The measure in the programme entitled "maintenance of extensive production" provides for a per-hectare premium of ECU 400 for farmers who commit themselves for five years to maintaining traditional methods of carob-growing.These measures constitute, in the opinion of the Commission, a framework for action making it possible to avoid the disappearance of the carob tree.(1) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996.(2) OJ L 207, 19.7.1989.(3) OJ L 215, 30.7.1992.