WRITTEN QUESTION E-0014/01 by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Mussel farming in the EU.
Date: 2001-01-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Galicia, customs duties, health legislation, import, originating product, shellfish farming, third country

3.7.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187 E/157

The Vice-President of the Commission, in her dual role as Member of the Commission and Member with
special responsibility for energy, contributes to the analysis of the costs of transition to competition in the
electricity sector in Spain, as in the other Member States, even though the case is being examined by the
Directorate-General for Competition and will thus in due course be the subject of a proposal by the
Member with special responsibility for competition to his colleagues. This is the background to the Vice-
President(cid:146)s involvement to date.

Lastly, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the answers to his Written Questions
Nos E-1761/99 (1) and E-3178/00 (2) on the same subject.

(1) OJ C 170 E, 20.6.2000.
(2) Not yet published.

(2001/C 187 E/168)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0014/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Mussel farming in the EU

Mussel farming is of vital importance in the coastal region of Galicia, where there are some 11 500 jobs
directly linked to the sector, of which 8 500 are permanent, as well as 7 000 jobs indirectly related to it.
This is particularly important, bearing in mind that the resources generated by mussel production are
spread across a broad social base and that decisions are taken locally, with the result that funds are
reinvested in the region. This has a multiplier effect on the local economy, helping to produce socio-
economic stability.

As far as aquaculture in general is concerned it is mussel farming which is the backbone of the sector,
since between 250 and 300 million kilos of mussels are cultivated annually in Galicia, making it the
world(cid:146)s second largest producer after China and the leading European producer, accounting for 50 % of
total EU production, with 35 % being sold fresh, 41 % earmarked for traditional processing and 24 % for
new alternative processing methods, which are increasingly popular.

Will the Commission provide details concerning the control measures applied by the EU to mussel imports
from third countries, particularly as regards the need to ensure the same health and quality standards as
those required for Community mussels?

Does the Commission not think that mussels should be included as a sensitive product under the
agreements on the establishment of free trade zones with third countries?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 2001)

The Honourable Member(cid:146)s attention is drawn to the reply the Commission gave to his Written Question
E-0529/99 (1), which deals with the hygiene provisions applying to imports of fishery products from third
countries.

In addition, it can be said that while the import of general fisheries products is currently permitted from
101 countries and territories (of which 54 are fully harmonised and 47 pre-listed) the import of bivalve
molluscs (including mussels) is currently permitted from only 14 countries (of which eight are fully
harmonised and six pre-listed), which is an indicator of the very strict provisions which apply.

Mussels of the genus Mytilus spp. pay a most favoured nation (MFN) duty of 10 % and a generalised
scheme of preferences (GSP) duty of 7 % when imported into the Community. Mussels of the genus Perna
spp. pay a MFN duty of 8 % and a GSP duty of 2,8 %. Prepared or preserved mussels of both species pay
a MFN duty of 20 % and a GSP duty of 7 %. This tariff structure shows that unprepared mussels are not as

C 187 E/158

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

sensitive as prepared mussels, and that they benefit from a moderate level of protection, even when
imported from outside preferential or free trade arrangements. Community imports of these products are
very modest, representing only 1 % of the Community production. However, regarding mussels, the
Community is a net exporter.

Under these circumstances, the Commission does not envisage excluding mussels or restricting free trade
in mussels in future negotiations of free trade agreements. However, the Commission will take into
account Member States(cid:146) concerns regarding the possible sensitivity of mussels in such negotiations.

(1) OJ C 370, 21.12.1999.

(2001/C 187 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0015/01

by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(17 January 2001)

Subject: Mussel farming in the EU

Mussel farming is of vital importance in the coastal region of Galicia, where there are some 11 500 jobs
directly linked to the sector, of which 8 500 are permanent, as well as 7 000 jobs indirectly related to it.
This is particularly important, bearing in mind that the resources generated by mussel production are
spread across a broad social base and that decisions are taken locally, with the result that funds are
reinvested in the region. This has a multiplier effect on the local economy, helping to produce socio-
economic stability.

As far as aquaculture in general is concerned it is mussel farming which is the backbone of the sector,
since between 250 and 300 million kilos of mussels are cultivated annually in Galicia, making it the
world(cid:146)s second largest producer after China and the leading European producer, accounting for 50 % of
total EU production, with 35 % being sold fresh, 41 % earmarked for traditional processing and 24 % for
new alternative processing methods, which are increasingly popular.

The vast development potential of aquaculture in general, and mussel farming in particular, has been
recognised and often seen as a solution to the labour surplus caused by the recession in other sectors, as
well as a way of meeting demand for seafood products. With this in view, emphasis should be placed on
the beneficial effects of the EU structural measures in this sector during the period from 1994 to 1999,
which helped to improve the productivity and profitability of growers, while substantially reducing risks,
accidents and occupational diseases, and improving the quality of life of growers.

Will the Commission provide details of the total amount of aid received by the mussel-farming sector from
the EU during the period 1994 to 1999, broken down by Member State? Will it give details of the total
amount of aid received by this sector in Spain during the same period, broken down by region? Will the
same or an increased level of structural aid be accorded to the mussel-farming sector during the period
from 2000 to 2006 and what specific form will such aid take?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(15 February 2001)

The Commission cannot provide details of the total amount of aid granted to the mussel farming sector in
1994-1999 broken down by Member State, as some Member States have not provided sufficiently detailed
technical information regarding the projects funded.