WRITTEN QUESTION E-0677/03 by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission. Fumigation in certain coffee-growing areas of Colombia.
Date: 2003-03-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Colombia, defoliation, drug traffic, environmental protection, fight against crime

6.2.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 33 E/69

important when they put forward proposals to raise awareness of development issues. The area of using
‘green gene’ technologies to address the problem of food security in developing countries is one among
many issues presented by NGOs.

The Commission has websites which provide information more generally on this question. In September
2001 a broad-based public consultation was launched on the general question of ‘life sciences and
biotechnology’. Around 320 contributions were received, many of which were very comprehensive.
Following this consultation, a Communication was presented in January 2002 (1).

The Commission is fully prepared to co-operate with applicants, as indicated in the Call for proposals.

There is no country-based key for the approval of projects. The information on the award of funding in
2001 and 2002 is available on the website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/projects/ong_cd/
index_en.htm.

On 30 and 31 January 2003 the Commission organised the stakeholder conference: ‘Towards Sustainable
Agriculture for Developing Countries: Options from Life Sciences and Biotechnologies’. More than 600
delegates
from around the world attended the conference. Scientists mixed with policy-makers,
development experts, farmers, young people and representatives of civil society to address the most
important and controversial issues surrounding the use of bio-sciences and their ability to offer sustainable
solutions for food production and the alleviation poverty. Proceedings are accessible on the dedicated web-
site: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/sadc.

The Commission supported in May 2002 the Second European Forum for Agricultural Research for
the World Food Summit. Scientists and
Development, which took place in Rome in advance of
representatives of the civil society attended to discuss research priorities in agricultural research for
development. One of the priority areas identified was the use of modern biotechnologies and development.

(1) OJ C 55, 2.3.2002.

(2004/C 33 E/065)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0677/03

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission

(7 March 2003)

Subject: Fumigation in certain coffee-growing areas of Colombia

I was visiting Colombia last week together with the Secretary of

the International Anti-
Whilst
Prohibitionist League, Marco Perduca, a number of reports were received about a plan for the imminent
fumigation of the coffee-growing areas of Colombia, in the context of a disastrous and indiscriminate
campaign of chemical fumigation, from a very high altitude, of vast areas of the country, designed to
eradicate coca leaf production and to be carried out in agreement with the US Administration.

In view of the devastating impact of this practice on human health, the environment and socio-economic
equilibrium, and the fact that the Commission is carrying out alternative development programmes in
some of these areas, has it taken steps to inform the Colombian authorities of its disapproval and the need
to suspend immediately the alternative development programmes in those areas as soon as the operation is
launched?

How does the Commission intend to try and ensure that the fumigation is not carried out and officially
request that the operation be suspended all over Colombia?

C 33 E/70

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

6.2.2004

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(7 April 2003)

The Commission does not support the aerial spraying of illegal crops in Colombia.

The Commission has obtained a political commitment from the Colombian Government that the areas
covered by its alternative development projects (that foresee voluntary manual eradication) be exempt from
fumigation. The Commission also discusses this issue with the United States’ Government, and follows
closely developments on the ground.

This position derives in particular from the Commission’s view on aerial spraying in the Union, which is
that in the future it should be restricted as far as possible, if not banned completely. In its Communication
‘Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’ (1), the Commission proposes a general
ban on aerial spraying, with specific derogation to be authorised by Member States if aerial spraying
presents clear advantages and also environmental benefits compared to other spraying methods. This is
due to the impact that spray-drift from aerial spraying of pesticides may have on human health and the
environment, as well as its possible socio-economic impact, notably on non-targeted areas, inhabited areas,
and water (2).

(1) COM(2002) 349 final.
(2)

For details please refer to the following web page: http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/ppps/home.htm.

(2004/C 33 E/066)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0679/03

by Marco Cappato (NI) to the Commission

(7 March 2003)

Subject: Arrest of the Peruvian national Nelson Palomino

Last week, whilst I was staying in Lima Nelson Palomino (cid:1) one of the leaders of the Peruvian ‘campesinos’
(cid:1) was arrested on charges of incitement to terrorism, an offence covered by the Fujimori government’s
Penal Code, which is currently undergoing reform. Peruvian press sources indicate that Palomino is
allegedly guilty of encouraging demonstrations and road blocks without ruling out the use of force.

Relations between the Peruvian Government and the ‘campesinos’ are particularly tense because of a
stalemate in the dialogue on a package of agricultural reforms, in particular the disastrous policies to
eradicate by force the cultivation of coca.

During my meeting with the leaders of the Peruvian anti-drugs agency DEVIDA, they refused to give me
and the Secretary of the International Anti-Prohibitionist League, Marco Perduca, any information on the
situation of the ‘campesinos’ and, in particular, on the arrest of Palomino.

Can the Commission ask the Peruvian authorities for information (cid:1) to be passed on to Parliament -
concerning a situation which, if it is not tackled promptly in a spirit of dialogue, threatens to lead to
outbreaks of violence such as those which caused dozens of people to die and hundreds to be injured in
neighbouring Bolivia in recent weeks?

What results have been achieved by the Commission’s projects in Peru designed to replace the cultivation
of coca leaves throughout the country?

To what extent is the Commission’s work in the region influenced by the increased militarisation of Peru
and the tension following Palomino’s arrest and what interlocutors among the ‘campesinos’ does the
Commission have to help carry out its projects?