WRITTEN QUESTION E-1989/01 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Agri-environmental measures/Organic livestock farming - rough grazing land and permanent pasture for direct grazing of animals according to organic farming methods.
Date: 2001-07-06
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Portugal, aid per hectare, eligible region, goat, livestock farming, mountain region, organic farming

14.2.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 40 E/157

(2002/C 40 E/169)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1989/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 July 2001)

Subject: Agri-environmental measures/Organic livestock farming (cid:129) rough grazing land and permanent

pasture for direct grazing of animals according to organic farming methods

In 2001, as part of the agri-environmental measures related to organic farming, aid per hectare has been
introduced for rough grazing land or permanent pasture used for direct grazing of animals according to
organic farming methods. This measure is important
the type of
stockbreeding is very close to organic farming,
it could make for more effective conversion to such
methods, thus guaranteeing a continuing livelihood for many breeders, in particular of mountain goats.

to Portugal because, given that

However, it is not clear which areas are eligible for the aid. The reason is that in Portugal, as in other
Member States, much grazing, especially of goats, takes place in woodlands or wastelands (where there are
varieties of broom, rock rose, heather, etc.). Grazing is also concentrated primarily in mountain areas. If
these areas cannot be considered eligible, many applications will be rendered invalid, jeopardising livestock
farming in many regions, even though it could meet high quality standards and organic farming
requirements.

Could the Commission therefore confirm whether the above areas are eligible or not? If they are ineligible,
will the Commission draw up the amendments to the rules needed to make them eligible, thereby
safeguarding high-quality organic livestock farming and employment
in areas affected by specific
difficulties?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that the organic farming measure contained in
the rural development plan for mainland Portugal for the period 2000-2006 applies to the whole of the
territory of mainland Portugal.

The measure may include per hectare aid for rough grazing land and permanent pasture used for direct
grazing of livestock reared in accordance with organic production methods and in compliance with
Community law.

The Commission considers the statement by the Honourable Member to the effect that it is not clear
which areas are eligible for this type of aid to be inaccurate therefore.

(2002/C 40 E/170)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1990/01

by Hans Modrow (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(6 July 2001)

Subject: ELF Aquitaine/Leuna

Proceedings have been brought against senior employees of ELF before a court in Paris; in some cases
heavy fines were imposed as a result. One of the transactions which played in part in the case was the sale
of a business in the territory of the former GDR.

Can the Commission answer the following:

1. What is known about the sale of the former Leuna works to ELF? Was it assisted by EU funding

intended for the Objective 1 territory of the Federal Republic of Germany?