WRITTEN QUESTION E-3592/01 by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Agri-environmental measures and traditional olive groves.
Date: 2002-01-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Portugal, agri-environmental plan, aid to agriculture, biodiversity, olive

4.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 160 E/149

It is therefore too soon to decide whether or not to refer the case to the Court of Justice under Article 213
of the EC Treaty.

The appropriate hearings can, naturally, be organised during the course of the various investigations.

(1) OJ C 235 E, 21.8.2001.

(2002/C 160 E/187)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3592/01

by Ilda Figueiredo (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(8 January 2002)

Subject: Agri-environmental measures and traditional olive groves

Agri-environmental aid to traditional olive-growing areas is vital for maintaining an ecosystem which is
important to the preservation of biodiversity (plant and animal
life) and natural beauty in Portuguese
regions experiencing serious economic and social decline, as well as a worsening rural exodus, as
illustrated in the latest census figures (2001). Olive growing is still an important source of income and
jobs.

To a question about the criteria adopted in the national provisions governing agri-environmental measures
to protect traditional olive-growing areas, the Portuguese Government answered that these had been
decided by the European Commission.

These criteria 0 in particular the use of the physiographic index (which, under national rules must be
equal to 3, 4 or 5) 0 are having the effect of disqualifying much of the traditional olive-growing land, in
the regions of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, in Beira Interior and Alentejo.

The Commission:

0 Will it explain what were its reasons for taking the decision?

0 What measures does it intend to take to remedy this problem?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(12 February 2002)

The purpose of the agri-environment measures is to promote agricultural methods that are of greater
benefit for preserving and improving the environment, natural resources and cultivated areas of high
natural landscape value, and of greater benefit as regards the traditional characteristics of agricultural land
and protection of genetic diversity. Consequently aid is granted under this heading only for agri-
environment commitments that in a measurable way exceed the simple application of normal good
agricultural practice.

The criteria to which the Honourable Member refers apply to agri-environment aid for traditional olive-
growing and were included in the rural development plan negotiated in partnership with the Portuguese
authorities on the basis of their proposal and approved by the Commission. They go beyond the
parameters of good agricultural practice as mentioned above. The premiums are not an aid to olive-
growing as such but are an incentive to agricultural practices that benefit the environment (e.g. prohibition
on phytopharmaceuticals, pruning at least every three years, weed control etc.).

The aids paid are calculated as as to offset the income losses and additional costs incurred and at the same
time provide an adequate financial incentive. They do not amount to a mere transfer of income. That
would be incompatible with the rules applicable.