WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2234/98 by MaLou LINDHOLM to the Commission. Fermented herring
Date: 1998-07-16
Institutions: European Parliament, LINDHOLM
Subjects: Baltic Sea, customs and traditions, food hygiene, food inspection, food standard, foodstuffs legislation, health control, sea fish

C 118/46

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

29.4.1999

account of disease. Because of the financial straits in which farmers find themselves and because of the
way in which EU subsidies are calculated › for instance the number of days on which subsidy calculations
are based › transport for slaughter is frequently delayed, causing extra problems, especially for animals
which are sick and in poor condition.

What is the Commission(cid:146)s view of allegations that the EU(cid:146)s support policy regarding animals for slaughter
incites farmers to maximize their profits, inter alia, by delaying slaughter dates, and how could the
Union(cid:146)s support policy be altered so as to take better account of the deficiencies in the living conditions of
animals for slaughter? How will the Commission ascertain what deficiencies there are in livestock farming
within the territory of the EU?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1998)

The Act of Accession for Austria, Finland and Sweden provided for the immediate introduction of
common (lower) agricultural prices in these new Member States as of 1 January 1995. Finland reserved the
right to grant degressive national subsidies as well as national aids to farmers during a transitional period
until the problems from the small-scale structure of its agriculture are overcome.

In animal production, degressive national aids are paid on a per head basis to respect international
agreements. It is not thought that payment of these aids has led to lower quality calves or pigs since the
greater part of farmers(cid:146) revenue still derives from the prices obtained.

The minimum standards provided in the present legislation concerning calves and pigs are based on
scientific information. These directives include rules on the feeding and watering of the animals which
every farmer has to observe up to the moment the animals go to the slaughterhouse, independent of
subsidies. The national authorities monitor compliance with the rules and take action if there is any
infringement.

Furthermore the Member States have to inform the Commission every two years of the results of the
inspections carried out.

(1999/C 118/054)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2234/98

by MaLou Lindholm (V) to the Commission

(16 July 1998)

Subject: Fermented herring

From 1 July 1998, fermented herring will be covered by the same rules that apply to other fish products in
the EU, which means that it may not be kept in old wooden barrels, as has been done since the 16th century,
if it is to be sold in food shops, nor may it be handled on premises with wooden floors, such as old
boathouses. These rules will affect a one thousand year old industry and tradition in Sweden, making the
situation particularly difficult for small local producers. The EU talks of subsidiarity and not interfering in
details but does the exact opposite.

Does the Commission believe that such detailed regulation is consistent with subsidiarity? If not, does the
Commission intend to block the directive on fermented herring?