WRITTEN QUESTION P-0798/01 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission. Biological earmark as proof of origin for cattle.
Date: 2001-03-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: beef, cattle, health control, labelling, traceability, veterinary inspection

18.9.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 261 E/199

(2001/C 261 E/226)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0798/01

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(13 March 2001)

Subject:

(cid:145)Biological earmark(cid:146) as proof of origin for cattle

As the Commission has no doubt learned from various press reports, in January 2000 the november AG
company was awarded the Germany Industry Innovation Prize for Young Companies, for developing a
biological marking process.

The (cid:145)biological earmark(cid:146) claims to be able to identify the origin of domestic animals and meat in a flawless
way. Unlike the processes in use at present, this method claims largely to exclude opportunities for
manipulation.

Is the Commission considering replacing the traditional process for proving origin by means of earmarks,
animal passports and a cumbersome reporting and registration procedure with a system using the
(cid:145)biological earmark(cid:146)?

What problems does the Commission foresee in introducing the biological marking process?

Does the Commission have details of the estimated cost involved in using the biological marking process?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(2 May 2001)

Although the development of a biological marking process has been described in the press as a promising
tool, detailed information on the reliability of the process would be needed for the assessment of the
(cid:145)biological earmark(cid:146).

Concerning any possible replacement of the traditional process for identifing origin by means of earmarks,
animal passports and reporting and registration it must be underlined that the Commission has no
intention of proposing any relaxation of the provisions for identification and registration.

The two basic objectives of these provisions are:

(cid:129) the localisation and the tracing of animals for veterinary purposes, which is of crucial importance for

the control of contagious diseases;

(cid:129) the management and supervision of livestock premiums as part of the reform of the agricultural

policy.

With the adoption in 1997 of Council Regulation (EC) 820/97 of 21 April 1997 establishing a system for
the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef
products (1), the existing provisions for the identification and registration of bovine animals (Council
Directive 92/102/EEC of 27 November 1992 (2)) were reinforced. This reinforcement was necessary as
experience, and notably the bovine spongiform encephalopathy crisis, had shown that the implementation
of the existing rules for identification and registration had not been entirely satisfactory and needed further
improvement.

The reinforced system for the identification and registration of bovine animals comprises 1) eartags to
identify animals individually, 2) computerised databases, 3) animal passports and 4) individual registers
kept on each holding.

These provisions have been carried over in Regulation (EC) 1760/2000 of the Parliament and of the
Council of 17 July 2000 establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and
regarding the labelling of beef and beef products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 820/97 (3).

C 261 E/200

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.9.2001

According to Regulation (EC) 1760/2000 the Commission is committed to present to the Parliament and
the Council a report on electronic identification before 31 December 2001. No other alternative
identification has been foreseen.

(1) OJ L 117, 7.5.1997.
(2) OJ L 355, 5.12.1992.
(3) OJ L 204, 11.8.2000.

(2001/C 261 E/227)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0813/01

by Bernard Poignant (PSE) to the Commission

(19 March 2001)

Subject: Sea bass fishing situation

Nearly a year ago a written question (E-1334/00) (1) was tabled on the sea bass fishing situation and on
stock levels of that species. The situation hardly seems to be improving. On the contrary, the volume of
sea bass caught with trawl nets is reported to have soared.

The question consequently arises of whether to introduce a special fishing permit, one that would be
exceptional and non-transferrable, to ensure a return to catch levels compatible with the capacity of stocks
to renew themselves.

The question also arises of suspending fishing operations generally during the period of greatest
vulnerability, viz. 15 February to 31 March.

What does the Commission think of those two suggestions?

(1) OJ C 81 E, 13.3.2001, p. 28.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2001)

As indicated in the response to the Honourable Member(cid:146)s written question (1), the Commission, requested
the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to report on the state of exploitation of bass
stocks in the north-east Atlantic and to suggest technical means by which problems might be solved. The
appropriate working group of ICES is expected to report on this topic in May 2001. The report will be the
basis of further consideration of this topic by the Commission.

Either of the possibilities put forward by the Honourable Member is conceivable but, until ICES has
reported and until the Commission has undertaken its further considerations, it is premature to decide on
precise management measures.

(1) OJ C 81 E, 13.3.2001.

(2001/C 261 E/228)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0818/01

by Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(19 March 2001)

Subject: Distortion of competition due to disparities in national and regional BSE measures

Two days after the failed Agriculture Council of Monday, 26 February, the French Government decided to
make 8,5 billion francs available for assistance to cattle farmers affected by the BSE crisis. The Commission
has to be informed of the measure in advance, stating detailed reasons. It can enter into force only once