Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing a Community programme on the conservation, characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture
Date: 2003-12-22
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, biotechnology, exchange of information, exploitation of resources, farming sector

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 22.12.2003
COM(2003) 817 final

2003/0321 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL REGULATION

establishing a Community programme on the conservation, characterisation,
collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture

.

(presented by the Commission)

EN

  EN

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 of 20 June 19941 on the conservation, characterisation,
collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture launched a five-year Community
programme,  which  terminated  on  31  December  1999.  Three  Calls  for  proposals  were
published during that period (1994, 1996, 1998). Almost half of the 21 projects which were
selected under this programme are still ongoing.

1.

IMPLEMENTATION

The following main actions were carried out on the basis of that programme:

*

*

co-ordination  of  Member  States’  extensive  and  essential  activities  undertaken  with
the FAO;

adoption of 21 projects involving a total of €10 million, or approx imately 2/3 of the
amount considered  necessary under  the  Regulation  for  implementing  these  projects
(Annex II of the Regulation), including:

– 

– 

– 

one forestry project (elms),

6  projects  for  crop  genetic  resources  (for  example,  barley,  oats  (Avena),
cabbages  (Brassica),  rice,  potatoes,  beets  (Beta),  maize,  onions  (Allium),
carrots,  olives,  vines).  Most  of  these  projects  concerned  the  characterisation
(evaluation)  of  ex  situ  genetic  resources  and  the  conservation  and  utilisation
thereof.  Participants  included  in  particular  gene  banks,  scientific  institutes,
users and sometimes NGOs,

4  projects  for  animal  genetic  resources  (pigs,  cattle,  rabbits),  involving
primarily the co-ordination, characterisation and, to a certain extent, collection
and conservation of those genetic resources.

2.

EVALUATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR COMMUNITY PROGRAMME (1994–1999)

In February 2000, independent experts drew up an evaluation report on the implementation of
the programme, as provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1467/94.

That  report  was  forwarded  to  the  Council  and  to  the  Parliament  (COM(2001) 617  final,
Volume II of 31.10.2001).

The  recommendations  of  the  evaluation  by  independent  experts  can  be  summarised  as
follows:

*

*

*

1

maintain  and  strengthen  the  action,  while  taking  care  to  ensure  a  better  balance
between projects on "plants" and "animals",

include the concept of on-farm conservation and respond to local requirements (bio-
geographic regions) while promoting more active participation by NGOs,

increase co-ordination between the Member States and the Commission with regard
to negotiations and actions at FAO level,

OJ L 159, 28.6.1994, p. 1.

2

 
                                                
*

target  measures  more  towards  a  broader  coverage  of  the  participation  of  Member
States in a certain category of projects.

The evaluation by independent experts pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 concluded by
recommending a new Community programme.

A series of consultations of stakeholders took place in 2000 and a meeting of the Committee
on  Genetic  Resources  (set  up  by  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1467/94)  also  attended  by
representatives of the European Parliament, numerous NGOs, scientists (project coordinators)
and  representatives  of  users  of  genetic  resources  was  held  in  June  2000.  The  following
recommendations emerged in the course of the various consultations:

*

*

*

*

*

the  new  Community  programme  should  promote  increased  participation  by  NGOs
and other operators, in particular in the field of in situ/on farm conservation and give
these operators access to Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 19992,

it  should  co-ordinate  international  activities  in  the  field  of  genetic  resource
protection; Community legislation on the intellectual property rights was also felt to
be necessary,

it should  provide for more information  and publicity-related  activities,  in  particular
with a view to increasing the use of local or rare varieties or breeds,

it should promote better use and transfer of the results towards the market (users),

it should establish a decentralised and permanent European inventory of the genetic
resources available, as well as of their origins and their characteristics.

3.

NEW COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

In its strategy for the integration of environment and sustainable development in the Common
Agricultural  Policy  (document  No  13078/99  of  15.11.1999)  the  Council  called  for  a  new
Community programme to be elaborated on genetic resources in agriculture.

In  its  Communication  "Biodiversity  Action  Plan  for  Agriculture"  (COM(2001) 162,
Volume III  of  27  March  2001),  the  Commission  proposed  to  launch  a  new  Community
programme  on  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic
resources in agriculture.

In  its  Communication  "Life  Sciences  and  Biotechnology  –  A  Strategy  for  Europe"
(COM(2002) 27),  the  Commission  announced  that  it  will  launch  a  new  Community
programme on genetic resources in agriculture.

In view of the success of the original programme, the results of the independent  evaluation,
the Council's recommendations and the Commission's commitment in this field, it is proposed
to launch a second pluri-annual Community programme.

2

OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80.

3

 
                                                
The aim of the new programme is to:

– 

– 

– 

finance  measures  to  promote  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and
utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture, allowing for a wider coverage of plant
and  animal  diversity  and,  at  the  same  time,  helping  implement  the  Biodiversity
Action  Plan  for  Agriculture,  with  particular  emphasis  on  complementing  the  scope
(as  regards  beneficiaries  and/or  eligible  actions  for  funding)  of  the  "Rural
Development" Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999,

promote  the exchange of information and  close  co-ordination  between  the  Member
States  and  between  the  Member  States  and  the  Commission,  with  regard  to  the
conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources in agriculture, in line with the
requirements and needs of the Common Agricultural Policy,

facilitate co-ordination in the field of international undertakings on genetic resources
in  agriculture,  in  particular  within  the  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity,  the
International  Treaty  on  Plant  Genetic  Resources  for  Food  and  Agriculture  and  the
FAO’s  Global  Plan  of  Action  for  the  Conservation  and  Sustainable  Utilisation  of
Plant  Genetic  Resources  for  Food  and  Agriculture.  Since  the  conservation  and
sustainable  use  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture  are  essential  to  the  sustainable
development  of  agricultural  production  and  of  rural  areas,  the  legal  basis  of  the
action is Article 37 of the Treaty.

The new programme will cover the following elements:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the framework of the programme, including the objectives, the scope and the type of
the actions to be promoted, as well as the essential provisions to be followed in the
implementation of the future Community programme;

programme implementation through actions that aim to support, complement or co-
ordinate  at  Community  level  work  undertaken  at  local,  regional,  or  Member  State
level. Smaller-scale measures may cover in situ / on-farm conservation (reproduction
of genetic resources by farmers, on their own farm);

in situ / on-farm genetic resources conservation activities which should be a means to
promote  the  conservation  of  genetic  material,  varieties  and  races  as  well  as  the
characterisation and utilisation of those varieties and races in agriculture in line with
the aims of the CAP  towards  a  sustainable  agriculture. They  shall be  transnational,
taking into account, if appropriate, bio-geographic regional aspects;

the  role  of  the  Commission  regarding  programme  co-ordination  and  international
representation  in  relation  to  the  undertakings  on  genetic  resources  in  agriculture
implemented at international level;

the setting up of a Committee on genetic resources to assist the Commission and act
as a management committee when  consulted on  the  adoption  of  calls  for  proposals
and proposed actions, and as a consultative committee for other questions related to
genetic resources.

4

 
No  support  may  be  granted  under  the  proposed  Regulation  for  commitments  eligible  under
Title II, Chapter VI of Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for
rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF),
as  specified  under  Article  14  of  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  445/2002  of  26 February
20023.

In addition, no support may be granted under this new Regulation for activities eligible under
the  Framework  Programmes  of  the  European  Community  for  research,  technological
development  and  demonstration  activities  (theoretical  studies,  studies  to  test  hypotheses,
studies  to  improve  tools  or  techniques,  work  involving  untested  techniques  or  modelling
systems, and all other research activities).

4.

CURRENT SITUATION

A proposal (COM(2001) 617 final, Volume I of 31.10.2001) for a Council Regulation on the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture
and  amending  Regulation  (EC)  No  1258/1999  was  discussed  in  June  2002  by  the  Member
States  in  the  Council  Special  Committee  on  Agriculture  and  in  the  European  Parliament
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

The  position  expressed  by  the  Member  States  and  the  opinion  of  the  European  Parliament
confirmed  a  strong  opposition  to  the  proposed  origin  of  funding  (EAGGF  –  Guarantee
Section / Heading 1A) and the indirect financial and operational role of the Commission, and
pointed out the need for the Commission to strengthen its role regarding the co-ordination and
implementation of the new programme.

In  the  light  of  these  circumstances,  it  has  been  decided  to  withdraw  the  above-mentioned
Commission's  proposal (COM(2001) 617, Volume I) and to submit a new one  based  on  the
main features of the previous Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/94, adapted in the light of the
various factors mentioned above for the launch of a new Community programme.

The proposed Community programme will be financed through "Heading 3" of the financial
perspectives for the period 2004–2006.

The Commission will be assisted in the implementation of the programme by a Committee on
the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture, composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative
of  the  Commission.  The  management  procedure  provided  for  in  Article  4  of  Decision
1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with Article 7 thereof.

A  draft  of  the  new  proposal  was  submitted  and  discussed  in  February  2003  with  Member
States,  NGO’s  and  stakeholders  in  the  Committee  on  the  conservation,  characterisation,
collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture.  At  that  occasion,  they  were
invited  to  submit  written  comments  on  the  draft  proposal.  These  comments  have  been
incorporated into the current proposal.

3

OJ L 74, 15.3.2002, p. 2.

5

 
                                                
2003/0321 (CNS)

Proposal for a

COUNCIL REGULATION

establishing a Community programme on the conservation, characterisation,
collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community,  and  in  particular
Article 37 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee,

Whereas:

(1) 

(2) 

Biological  and  genetic  diversity  in  agriculture  is  essential  to  the  sustainable
development  of  agricultural  production  and  of  rural  areas.  The  necessary  measures
should therefore be taken to conserve, characterise, collect and utilise the potential of
that diversity in  a sustainable  way  to  promote  the  aims  of  the  Common  Agricultural
Policy.

The  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture  also
contributes  to  the  aims  of  the  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity  approved  by  the
Community by Council Decision 93/626/EEC4 and the related European Community
Biodiversity Strategy which includes an Action Plan for biodiversity conservation and
the  protection  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture.  It  is  also  a  major  objective  of  the
FAO’s Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilisation of Plant
Genetic Resources for Food  and Agriculture and of the  International Treaty on Plant
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which the Commission and the Member
States signed on 6 June 2002.

4

OJ L 309, 13.12.1993, p. 1.

6

 
                                                
(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

The wide range of activities carried out in the Member States (by a public-sector body
or natural or legal persons) and by various international organisations and programmes
such  as  the United Nations  Food and Agriculture  Organisation  (FAO),  the  European
Co-operative  Programme  for  Crop  Genetic  Resources  Networks  (ECP/GR),  the
Consultative  Group  on  International  Agricultural  Research  (CGIAR),  the  Global
Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), the Agricultural Research for Development
(ARD)  regional  and  sub-regional  organisations  supported  by  the  Community,  the
European Regional Focal Point (ERFP) of National Co-ordinators for the Management
of  Farm  Animal  Genetic  Resources,  the  European  Forest  Genetic  Resources
Programme  (EUFORGEN)  and  the  related  commitments  of  the  ongoing  Ministerial
Conference  on  the  protection  of  forests  in  Europe  (MCPFE)  to  which  the  European
Community  is  signatory  call  for  an  effective  information  exchange  and  close  co-
ordination  between  the  Community  main  actors  and  with  the  relevant  organisations
throughout the world with regard to the conservation, characterisation, collection and
utilisation of agricultural genetic resources  so as to enhance  their  positive  impact  on
agriculture.

The  work  undertaken  on  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation
of genetic resources in agriculture can help maintain biological diversity, improve the
quality of agricultural products, contribute to increase diversification in rural areas and
reduce inputs and agricultural production costs by promoting a sustainable agricultural
production and contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas.

The  ex  situ  and  in  situ  conservation  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture  (including  in
situ / on farm conservation and development) should be promoted. This should cover
all  plant,  microbial  and  animal  genetic  resources  that  are  or  could  prove  useful  for
agriculture and rural development, including forest genetic resources, in line with the
needs of the Common Agricultural Policy, with a view to conserving genetic resources
and increasing the use of under-utilised breeds and varieties in agricultural production.

Knowledge  of  the  genetic  resources  available  in  the  Community,  their  origins  and
their  characteristics  still  needs  to  be  improved.  Relevant  information  on  existing
facilities  and  activities  implemented  at  national  or  regional  level  regarding  the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture in each Member State should be gathered and made available to the other
Member States and at Community level, as well as at international level, particularly
the  developing  countries, 
international  Treaties  and
Agreements.

in  accordance  with 

the 

Development  of  decentralised,  permanent  and  widely  accessible  web-based
inventories  collecting  such  knowledge  and  ensuring  its  availability  at  Community
level  and  international  level  should  be  promoted,  with  particular  reference  to  the
ongoing efforts to develop  an  inventory of ex  situ collections  held in European  gene
banks (the EPGRIS – European  Plant  Genetic  Resources  Information  Infra-Structure
"EURISCO", funded by the Fifth Framework Programme).

The  Community  should  complement  and  promote  the  efforts  made  in  the  Member
States  for  the  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  biological  diversity  in  agriculture.
Added  value  at Community level  should  be  promoted  by  concerting  existing  actions
and  supporting  the  development  of  new  trans-border  initiatives  involving  the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture.

7

 
(9) 

(10) 

Provision  should therefore  be  made  for  measures  that  complement  or  go  beyond  the
scope  (as  regards  beneficiaries  and/or  eligible  actions  for  funding)  of  Council
Regulation  (EC)  No  1257/19995  of  17  May  1999  on  support  for  rural  development
from  the  European  Agricultural  Guidance  and  Guarantee  Fund  (EAGGF)  and
amending and repealing certain Regulations.

In order to contribute to the achievement of those aims, a Community programme was
established  under  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 1467/94  of  20 June  19946  on  the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 806/20037, for a period of five years.
That programme  terminated  on 31 December  1999 and should be  replaced  by  a  new
Community programme. Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 should therefore be repealed.

(11)  Selection  and  implementation  of  measures  under  the  new  Community  programme
should  take  into  account  research,  technological  development  and  demonstration
activities supported either at national level or under the Framework Programmes of the
European  Community  for  research,  technological  development  and  demonstration
activities.  The  marketing  of  seed  and  plant  propagating  material  to  be  utilised  under
the  new  programme  should  be  without  prejudice  to  the  Council  Directives  on  the
marketing  of  seed  and  propagating  material  and  to  the  Council  Directive  on  the
common catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species8.

(12)  The Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement) provides that the
countries  of  the  European  Free  Trade  Association  participating  in  the  European
Economic  Area  (EFTA/EEA  countries)  should,  inter  alia,  strengthen  and  broaden
co-operation  within  the  framework  of  the  Community’s  activities  in  the  field  of
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture.

(13)  For the better implementation of the Community programme, a work programme for
the period 2004–2006  should be set  out  detailing the  relevant financial provisions to
be applied.

(14)  For the purposes of implementing and monitoring the Community programme for the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture,  the  Commission  should  be  able  to  use  the  assistance  of  scientific  and
technical advisors.

5

6

7

8

the  marketing  of  material 

OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 80.
OJ L 159, 28.6.1994, p. 1.
OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 1.
Council Directive 66/401/EEC on the marketing of fodder plant seed, 66/402/EEC on the marketing of
cereal seed (OJ P 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2298 and 2309 respectively),
68/193/EEC  on 
(OJ L 93, 17.4.1968, p. 15),
92/33/EEC  on  the  marketing  of  vegetable  propagating  and  planting  material,  other  than  seed,
fruit  plants
92/34/EEC  on 
(OJ L 157, 10.6.1992, p. 1 and 10 respectively),
98/56/EC on the marketing of propagating material of onamental plants (OJ L 226, 13.8.1998, p. 16),
1999/105/EC on the marketing of forest reproductive material (OJ L 11, 15.1.2000, p. 17),
2002/54/EC  on  the  marketing  of  beet  seed,  2002/55/EC  on  the  marketing  of  vegetable  seed,
2002/56/EC on the  marketing of seed potatoes, 2002/57/EC on the  marketing of  seed of oil and fibre
plants (OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 12, 33, 60 and 74 respectively) and
2002/53/EC 
varieties 
(OJ L 193. 20.7.2002, p. 1)

for  vegetative  propagation  of 

the  marketing  of  propagating 

and  planting  material  of 

agricultural 

the  vine

catalogue 

common 

species

plant 

the 

on 

of 

of 

8

 
                                                
(15)  The  Community  contribution  should  all  be  financed  through  Heading  3  (Internal

Policies) of the Financial Perspective.

(16)  The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted
in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28  June 1999  laying  down the
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission9.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1
Objective

With a view to achieving the aims of the Common Agricultural Policy, and to implementing
the commitments taken at international level, a Community programme is hereby established
for  the  period  2004–2006  to  complement  and  promote  at  Community  level  the  work
undertaken  in  the  Member  States  for  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and
utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture.

Article 2
Scope

1. 

2. 

This Regulation shall apply to plant, microbial and  animal  genetic resources which
are or could be of use in agriculture.

No support may be granted under this Regulation:

(a)

(b)

for  commitments  eligible  under  Title  II,  Chapter  VI,  of  Regulation  (EC)
No 1257/1999, as specified under  Article 14 of Commission  Regulation  (EC)
No 445/200210.

for  activities  eligible  under  the  Framework  Programme  of  the  European
Community  for  research,  technological  development  and  demonstration
activities.

Article 3
Definitions

For the purpose of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

(a)

(b)

(c)

"plant  genetic  resources"  means  those  of  agricultural  crops,  horticultural  crops,
medicinal plants and aromatics,  fruit crops, forest trees and wild flora which are or
could be of use in the field of agriculture;

"animal  genetic  resources"  means 
those  of  farm  animals  (vertebrates  and
invertebrates) and wild fauna which are or could be of use in the field of agriculture;

"genetic material" means any material of plant, microbial or animal origin, including
reproductive  and  vegetative  propagating  material,  containing  functional  units  of
heredity;

9

10

OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.
OJ L 74, 15.3.2002, p. 2.

9

 
                                                
(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

1.

2.

"genetic resources for agriculture" means any genetic material of plant, microbial or
animal origin of actual or potential value for agriculture;

"in situ conservation" means the conservation of genetic material in ecosystems and
natural habitats and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species or
feral  breeds  in  their  natural  surroundings  and,  in  the  case  of  domesticated  animal
breeds  or  cultivated  plant  species,  in  the  farmed  environment  where  they  have
developed their distinctive properties;

"in situ / on farm conservation" means " in situ conservation and development" at the
level of the farm;

"ex  situ  conservation"  means  the  conservation  of  genetic  material  for  agriculture
outside their natural habitat;

"ex situ collection" means a collection of genetic material for agriculture maintained
outside their natural habitat;

"bio-geographic  region"  means  a  geographic  region  with  typical  characteristics
regarding the composition and structure of the fauna and flora.

Article 4
Eligible actions

The Community programme referred to in Article 1 shall comprise targeted actions,
concerted actions and accompanying actions, as specified in Articles 5, 6 and 7.

All actions carried out under the programme shall be in conformity with Community
legislation  on  the  marketing  of  seed  and  propagating  material  and  on  the  common
catalogue and shall take into account:

(a)

(b)

other activities undertaken at Community level;

relevant international processes, developments and agreements, in particular as
regards:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

the Convention on Biological Diversity,

the  International  Treaty  on  Plant  Genetic  Resources  for  Food  and
Agriculture,

the  FAO’s  Global  Plan  of  Action  for  the  Conservation  and  Sustainable
Utilisation  of  Plant  Genetic  Resources  for  Food  and  Agriculture  and
other  actions  undertaken  within  the  framework  of  the  United  Nations
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),

the European Plant Conservation Strategy and the relevant resolutions of
the Ministerial Conferences on the Protection of Forests in Europe,

the  Global  Strategy  for  the  Management  of  Farm  Animal  Genetic
Resources, and

10

 
– 

(European  Co-operative  Programme 

programmes  implemented  under  international  frameworks  such  as  the
for  Crop  Genetic
ECP/GR 
Resources  Networks),  the  European  Regional  Focal  Point  (ERFP)  of
National  Co-ordinators  for  the  Management  of  Farm  Animal  Genetic
(European  Forest  Genetic  Resources
Resources,  EUFORGEN 
Programme)  and  the  Consultative  Group  on  International  Agricultural
Research (CGIAR).

Article 5
Targeted actions

The targeted actions shall include:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Actions  promoting  the  ex  situ  and  in  situ  conservation,  characterisation,  collection
and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture.

The  establishment  of  a  European  decentralised,  permanent  and  widely  accessible
web-based  inventory  of  genetic  resources  currently  conserved  in  situ  including
in situ / on farm genetic resources conservation activities.

The  establishment  of  a  European  decentralised,  permanent  and  widely  accessible
web-based  inventory  of  the  ex  situ  collections  (gene  banks)  and  in  situ  facilities
(resources)  and  databases  currently  available  or  being  developed  on  the  basis  of
national inventories.

The  promotion  of  regular  exchanges  of  technical  and  scientific  information,  in
particular on the origins and individual characteristics of available genetic resources,
among competent organisations in the Member States.

The actions referred to in point (a) shall be trans-national, taking into account, if appropriate,
bio-geographic  regional  aspects  and  promote  or  complement,  at  Community  level,  work
implemented  at  regional  or  national  level.  They  may  not  involve  aid  to  maintain  nature
protection areas.

Article 6
Concerted actions

The concerted actions  shall  promote the  exchange of  information on thematic issues for the
purpose  of  improving  the  co-ordination  of  actions  and  programmes  for  the  conservation,
characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in  Community  agriculture.
They shall be trans-national.

Article 7
Accompanying actions

The  accompanying  actions  shall  include  information,  dissemination  and  advisory  actions
involving 
technical  conferences,  meetings  with  non-
governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant stakeholders, training courses and the
preparation of technical reports.

the  organisation  of  seminars, 

11

 
1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

Article 8
Work programme

The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the Community programme on
the  basis  of  a  work  programme  covering  the  period  2004–2006  established  in
accordance  with  the  procedure  referred  to  in  Article  15(2)  and  subject  to  the
availability of budgetary allocations.

The  actions  co-financed  under  the  Community  programme  shall  have  a  maximum
duration of 4 years.

Article 9
Selection of eligible actions

The Commission shall, within the  work  programme  referred  to  in  Article  8  and  on
the  basis  of  calls  for  proposals  for  actions  published  in  the  C  series  of  the  Official
Journal  of  the  European  Union,  select  the  actions  to  be  financed  under  the
Community programme.

The calls for proposals shall cover the actions and areas referred to in Articles 5, 6
and 7 and in Annex I. The content of the calls for proposals shall be established in
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 15(2) and in compliance with the
relevant  Articles  under  Title  VI  of  Council  Regulation 
(EC,  Euratom)
No 1605/200211.

Proposals for actions referred to in Articles 5, 6 and 7 may be submitted by a public-
sector body or any natural or legal person who is a national of a Member State and
established 
including  gene  banks,  non  governmental
organisations, breeders, technical institutes, experimental farms, gardeners and forest
owners. Bodies or persons established in third countries may  also submit proposals
where this is provided for in Article 10.

the  Community, 

in 

4.

The following criteria shall be taken into account for the assessment of the proposals:

(a) Relevance to the objectives of the programme, as defined in this Regulation;

(b) Technical quality of the proposed work;

(c) Ability  to  carry  out  the  action  successfully  and  to  ensure  its  efficient
management,  assessed  in  terms  of  resources  and  competences  and  including
the organisational arrangements laid down by the participants;

(d) European added value and potential contribution to Community policies.

5.

Proposals  for  actions  to  be  financed  under  the  Community  programme  shall  be
selected  on  the  basis  of  independent  expert  assessment.  The  independent  experts
shall be invited by the Commission in compliance with Article 57(2) of Regulation
(EC,  Euratom)  No  1605/2002  and  with  Article  178  of  Commission  Regulation
(EC, Euratom) No 2342/200212.

11

12

OJ L 248, 10.9.2002, p. 1.
OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

12

 
                                                
6.

If  necessary,  detailed  rules  for  the  application  of  this  Article  shall  be  adopted  in
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 15(2).

Article 10
Participation of third countries

The Community programme shall be open to the participation of:

(a)

(b)

1.

2.

1.

2.

1.

2.

EFTA/EEA  countries  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  established  in  the  EEA
Agreement;

Associated countries, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the respective
bilateral  agreements  establishing  the  general  principles  for  their  participation  in
Community programmes.

Article 11
Grant agreement

After  adoption  of  the  selected  actions,  the  Commission  shall  conclude  grant
agreements  with  the  participants  in  these  actions  in  compliance  with  the  relevant
Articles  under  Title  VI  of  Regulation  (EC,  Euratom)  No  1605/2002.  The  grant
agreements shall set out detailed criteria for the reporting, dissemination, protection
and exploitation of the results of the actions.

The Commission shall take the necessary steps, in particular by means of technical,
administrative and  accounting  checks  at  the  premises  of  the  beneficiaries,  to  verify
that the information and supporting documents supplied are accurate, and that all the
obligations laid down in the grant agreement have been fulfilled.

Article 12
Technical assistance

In  compliance  with  Article  57(2)  of  Regulation  (EC,  Euratom)  No  1605/2002,  the
Commission  may  call  on  the  assistance  of  scientific  and  technical  experts  for  the
implementation  of  the  Community  programme,  including  technical  advice  with
regards to the preparation of calls for proposals, evaluation of technical and financial
reports, monitoring, reporting and information purposes.

A service contract shall be signed as a result of a call for tender procedure in the field
of  public  procurement  in  compliance  with  the  relevant  Articles  under  Title  V  of
Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002.

Article 13
Community financial support

The Community contribution to the actions referred to in Article 5 shall not exceed
50% of the total cost of the actions.

The Community contribution to the actions referred to in Articles 6 and 7 shall not
exceed 80% of the total cost of the action.

13

 
3.

4.

5.

A Community contribution of up to 100% of the total cost of the assistance referred
to  in  Article  9,  paragraph  5  (evaluation  of  proposals),  Article  12  (technical
assistance)  and  Article  14  (evaluation  of  the  Community  programme)  shall  be
allocated.

The  EU  Financial  Perspective  Heading  3  "Internal  Policies"  shall  contribute  to  the
funding  of  actions  and  assistance  undertaken  under  the  Community  programme  in
application of this Regulation.

An  indicative  breakdown  of  the  funds  allocated  to  this  Community  programme  is
given in Annex II.

Article 14
Evaluation of the Community programme

At the end of the programme, the Commission shall appoint a group of independent experts to
report on the implementation of this Regulation, to assess the results and to make appropriate
recommendations.  The  group's  report,  together  with  the  Commission's  comments,  shall  be
submitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee.

Article 15
Committee

1.

2.

3.

4.

The  Commission  shall  be  assisted  by  a  Committee  on 
the  conservation,
characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture
(hereinafter referred to as "the Committee").

Where  reference  is  made  to  this  paragraph,  Articles  4  and  7  of  Decision
1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be one month.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

The Committee shall be informed on a regular basis on the state of implementation
of the Community programme.

Article 16
Repeal

Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 is repealed,  without  prejudice  to  the  contractual  obligations  of
parties which have entered into contracts arising out of the Regulation.

14

 
Article 17
Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day following that of its publication in
the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, […]

For the Council
The President

15

 
ANNEX I

Community programme: eligible actions and areas

1.

ELIGIBLE ACTIONS AND AREAS

The  Community  programme  concerns 
the  conservation,  characterisation,  evaluation,
collection,  documentation,  development  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  that  currently
occur  within  the  territory  of  the  Community.  Eligible  organisms  are  plants  (seed-bearing
plants), animals (vertebrates and certain invertebrates) and micro-organisms.

The programme covers material that is actively growing and material that is dormant (seeds,
embryos, semen and pollen). Ex-situ, in-situ and on farm collections are covered. All types of
material are eligible including cultivars and domestic breeds, local breeds, breeders' material,
genetic type collections, and wild species.

Priority will be given to species which are, or which may reasonably be expected to become
significant in agriculture, horticulture or forestry in the Community.

Preference will be given to the use of genetic resources for:

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

diversification of production in agriculture,

improved product quality,

sustainable management and use of natural and agricultural resources,

improved quality of the environment and the countryside,

identification of products for new uses and markets.

When  collections  are  recorded  and  new  collecting  is  undertaken,  steps  will  be  taken  within
the programme to ensure that the traditional regional experience and knowledge of the users
(farmers, horticulturists)  on  methods  of  cultivation,  specific  uses,  processing,  taste,  etc.,  are
also  included.  The  latter  information  should  not  be  recorded  as  narrative  but,  as  far  as
possible, in a standardised manner allowing documentation and easy retrieval of the data in a
relational database system.

All  actions  carried  out  under  the  programme  shall  be  in  conformity  with  Community
legislation on the marketing of seed and propagating material and on the common catalogue.

Appropriate  steps,  in  accordance  with  the  aims  of  the  Common  Agricultural  Policy  and  in
conformity  with  Community  international  commitments,  should  be  taken  to  promote  the
dissemination  and  exploitation  of  any  results  of  work  in  the  field  of  the  conservation,
characterisation, evaluation, collection, documentation, development and utilisation of genetic
resources  in  agriculture  which  could  contribute  to  the  achievement  of  those  aims  and
commitments. The main objective is to provide an efficient and practical support to the actual
and future end users of genetic resources in Europe.

16

 
2.

EXCLUDED ACTIONS AND AREAS

The following actions are specifically not eligible for Community financial support under this
programme:  theoretical  studies,  studies  to  test  hypotheses,  studies  to  develop  tools  or
techniques,  work  involving  untested  techniques  or  'model'  systems  and  all  other  research
activities.  Such  actions  are  eligible  for  consideration  under  the  Community  Research  and
Technological Development Framework Programmes. Adaptation of existing methods for the
purpose  of  an  activity  within  the  Regulation  might,  however,  be  considered  eligible  for
support under the Community programme.

Actions  that  are  eligible  for  support  under  the  Framework  Programme  of  the  European
Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities may not be
supported.

No  support  may  be  granted  under  this  programme  for  commitments  that  are  already  under
way  in  the  Member  States  and/or  eligible  under  Title  II,  Chapter  VI,  of  Regulation  (EC)
No 1257/1999  as  specified  under  Article  14  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  445/2002.  However,
actions  leading  to  synergy  between  Regulation  (EC)  No  1257/1999  and  this  programme
should be encouraged.

Actions involving lower animals, lower plants and micro-organisms, including fungi, are only
eligible when these are reared or cultivated on land and when they are or could be of use in
agriculture,  including  organisms  which  are  suited  for  use  as  biological  control  agents  in
agriculture in its widest sense. Exception will be made in the specific case of defined  gene-
for-gene relationships between parasite or symbiont and host, and where both organisms are
to be conserved.  Collecting  and  acquisition  of  material  is  subject  to  the  priorities  stipulated
above.

3.

TYPES OF ACTIONS

The  implementation  of  the  Community  programme  for  the  conservation,  characterisation,
evaluation,  collection,  documentation,  development  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture  includes  targeted  actions,  concerted  actions  and  accompanying  actions.  The
following actions shall be promoted:

3.1.

Targeted actions

Actions aiming at the  ex situ, in situ and on-farm  conservation,  characterisation,  evaluation,
collection, documentation, development and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture are
intended  to  support  or  complement,  at  Community  level,  work  implemented  at  regional  or
national level. They shall be trans-national (taking, where appropriate, into account also bio-
geographic regional aspects). These actions may not involve aid to maintain nature protection
areas.

(spreading  knowledge, 

The  actions  should  add  value 
improving
methodologies,  exchange  between  Member  States)  to  the  agri-environmental  schemes  for
endangered  species,  provenance,  cultivars  or  breeds  already  funded  at  national  or  regional
level  (e.g.,  characterisation  of  genetic  diversity  and  distance  between  the  respective  breeds,
utilisation  of  local  products,  co-ordination  and  search  of  commonalties  between  scheme
managers).

increasing  use, 

17

 
These  actions  must,  as  a  general  rule,  be  carried  out  by  participants  established  within  the
Community  and  funded  through  the  present  facility,  in  partnership,  when  appropriate,  with
organisations from other regions of the world. Priority is to be given to actions providing for
the  participation  of  two  or  more  unconnected  participants  established  in  different  Member
States.  Participation  by  NGOs  and  other  stakeholders  in  the  field  of  in  situ/on  farm
conservation should be promoted.

The  dissemination  and  exchange  of  European  genetic  resources  should  be  promoted  with  a
view  to  increasing  the  use  of  under-utilised  species  but  also  the  use  of  a  broad  diversity  of
genetic resources in sustainable agricultural production.

For plant genetic resources, a European decentralised, permanent and widely accessible web-
based network of national inventories of the ex situ collections (gene banks), in situ facilities
(resources) and databases on the basis of national inventories is currently available or being
developed in the framework of the EPGRIS (European Plant Genetic Resources Information
Infra-Structure) initiative. The development of national inventories of ex situ collections held
in  European  countries,  and  a  European  search  catalogue  (EURISCO)  should  be  established
and  further  improved  and  inventories  of  in  situ  resources  (genetic  reserves  or  gene
conservation units) should be developed.

A  European  decentralised,  permanent  and  widely  accessible  web-based  inventory  of  forest
genetic resources, including in situ resources (genetic reserves or gene conservation units) and
ex situ collections should be  established  on  the basis  of national inventories and taking into
consideration the activities of the EUFORGEN networking programme.

For animal genetic resources maintained on farms, efforts should concentrate on a European
network of national inventories of administrative aspects (origin and status of funding, state of
breeds  and  their  endangerment,  location  of  herdbooks,  …)  which  should  be  managed  in
conformity with DAD-IS, the information system for the Global Strategy for the Management
of Farm Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR).

For ex situ conservation of animal genetic resources (semen, embryos) a web-based network
of national inventories and a European search catalogue for minimum passport data should be
developed. The inventory is to consist principally of the establishment, regular updating and
regular  publication  of  the  facilities  (storage  and  conservation)  for  genetic  resources  in
agriculture collected in the Community, and the listing of current work on the conservation,
characterisation,  evaluation, collection,  documentation,  development  and  utilisation  of  those
genetic resources. Minimum passport data of individual accessions may be included.

For microbial genetic resources, a web-based network of national inventories of ex situ and in
situ resources should be established, in the framework of the  European  Biological  Resource
Centre Network (EBRCN).

Regular exchanges of information between competent organisations in the Member States, in
particular on the origins and individual characteristics of available genetic resources, shall be
promoted.  This  will  help  establish  a  network  of  national  inventories  which  will  provide  a
guide  to  collections  of  conserved  genetic  resources  and  associated  activities  in  the
Community. The aims of the network of national inventories  are to support  the  Community
and  national  activities  and  encourage  the  widest  possible  knowledge  and  use  of  preserved
material.

18

 
Expenditure  on  the  capacity  building  of  NGO's,  the  establishment  and  monitoring  of  the
inventories,  regular  exchanges  of  information  between  competent  organisations  in  the
Member States and the preparation of regular publications and reports, is to be covered from
the total appropriations earmarked for the implementation of the programme.

3.2.

Concerted actions

Concerted  actions  are  devoted  to  improve  the  co-ordination  at  Community  level,  mainly
through  the  organisation  of  seminars  and  the  preparation  of  reports,  of  individual  (national,
regional,  local)  actions  for  the  conservation,  characterisation,  evaluation,  collection,
documentation,  development  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in  agriculture  that  are
already being carried out in the Member States. In particular, they should promote exchanges
of  information  among  the  Member  States  and  the  Member  States  and  the  Commission  on
thematic issues and on specific local (on-farm), regional, or national actions and programmes
(carried  out  or  planned  under  the  authority  of  Member  States  or  by  bodies  not  under  their
authority),  including  also  actions  which  are  or  may  be  carried  out  under  Regulation  (EC)
No 1257/1999, Council Regulations (EEC) No 2081/9213 and (EEC) No 2082/9214 or Council
Directive 98/95/EC15, for the purposes of co-ordinating these initiatives with each other, with
measures  to  be  undertaken  at  Community  level  and  with  relevant  international  processes,
developments and  agreements.  Concerted  actions  could  also  involve  co-ordination  activities
on  thematic  issues  (specific  crop  or  animal  genetic  resources)  through  specialised  technical
groups. The concerted actions shall be trans-national.

3.3.

Accompanying actions

Specific accompanying actions shall include information, dissemination and advisory actions
involving:

– 

– 

– 

– 

4.

4.1.

(1)

(2)

the organisation of seminars, technical conferences, workshops, occasional meetings
with  non-governmental  organisations  (NGOs)  and  other  interested  bodies  and
relevant stakeholders;

training courses and mobility schemes for specialists;

preparation of technical reports;

the promotion of the utilisation of results by the market (users).

TARGETED ACTIONS: MORE DETAILS ABOUT ELIGIBLE AREAS

Crop genetic resources

Development of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible network of national
inventories on crop  genetic resources  (in  situ and ex situ); maintenance  and  further
improvement of the European search catalogue (EURISCO);

Information exchange on methods, techniques and experiences of on-farm activities,
including  utilisation  and  marketing  concepts  that  may  promote  the  use  of  under-
utilised crops and contribute to the diversification of agriculture;

13

14

15

OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 1.
OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 9.
OJ L 25, 1.2.1999, p. 1.

19

 
                                                
(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

4.2.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

4.3.

(1)

Inventory and documentation of in situ resources of wild crop relatives that are used
or potentially useful for food and agriculture;

Establishment, maintenance and improvement of web-based European Central Crop
Databases  (ECCDBs)  with  characterisation  and  evaluation  data  and  linked  to  the
network of national inventories and to the EURISCO catalogue for the passport level
data;

Establishment  and  co-ordination  of  permanent  European  ex  situ  collections  based
upon the existing national or institutional ex situ collections, implementing concepts
for sharing of responsibilities for the conservation of crop  genetic  resources among
European countries;

Establishment  and  co-ordination  of  a  European  network  of  conservation  and
demonstration  fields/gardens  of  endangered  and  under-utilised  crop  genetic
resources;

Characterisation and evaluation of crop genetic resources that could be of interest for
European agriculture;

Collecting,  in  conformity  with  international  law  and  obligations,  of  crop  genetic
resources that could be of interest for European agriculture.

Forest genetic resources

Establishment of a web-based, permanent and widely accessible network of national
inventories  on  forest  genetic  resources  that  are  used  or  potentially  useful  for
sustainable forest management in Europe;

Information  exchange  on  methods,  techniques  and  experiences  on  forest  genetic
resource conservation and management;

Assessment  and  development  of  best  operational  management  practices  for  forest
into  national  forest
genetic  resources  and 
programmes;

integration  of  related  activities 

Establishment  of  European  networks  of  representative  genetic  reserves  or  gene
conservation  units  for  relevant  target  species  in  order  to  improve  conservation  and
characterisation at European level;

Evaluation  of  forest  genetic  resources  at  species  and  provenance  level  (including
evaluation of trials in the case of existing provenance experiments) that could be of
value for sustainable forest management in Europe;

Establishment  and  co-ordination  of  collections  to  promote  the  use  of  genetic
resources  for  afforestation,  reforestation,  rehabilitation  and  tree  improvement
purposes at the European level;

Collecting of forest genetic resources that could be of interest at the European level.

Animal genetic resources

Establishment  of  a  web-based,  permanent  and  widely  accessible  European  network
of national inventories of animal genetic resources ex situ and in situ/on farm taking
into account activities within the framework of the European National Coordinators
for Animal Genetic Resources and linked to the FAO / DAD-IS system;

20

 
(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

Development of European-wide standardised and comparable criteria to identify the
national priorities for action in the field of sustainable conservation and utilisation of
Animal Genetic Resources and related requirements for international co-operation;

Establishment of European cryo-conserves for animal genetic resources based upon
national or institutional cryo-conserves;

Characterisation  and  evaluation  of  animal  genetic  resources  (species  and  breeds)
used or potentially useful for food and agriculture;

Establishment  of  a  standardised  European  performance  testing  regime  for  animal
genetic resources in agriculture, and documentation of characteristics of endangered
farm animal breeds and populations;

Establishment  and  co-ordination  of  a  European-wide  network  of  "Ark  farms",
Rescue-stations and farm animal parks for endangered European farm animal breed;

Development of common cross-national breeding programmes for endangered breeds
and  populations.  Establishment  of  rules  for  the  exchange  of  information,  genetic
material and breeding animals;

Development  of  strategies  which  support  the  enhancement  of  profitability  of  local
breeds in order to develop links between local breeds and their typical  products, to
identify  and  to  promote  the  value  of  local  breeds  for  their  environmental  services
(e.g. 
their
contribution to the multifunctional character of agriculture (e.g. maintenance of rural
cultural diversity, rural development and tourism, etc.);

landscape  conservation,  agro-ecosystems  management)  and 

for 

(9)

Development  of  strategies  which  promote  the  utilisation  of  under-utilised  animal
genetic resources that could be of interest on a European level.

21

 
ANNEX II

Indicative financial breakdown for the Community programme
on genetic resources in agriculture

Actions

Targeted actions

– for  the  promotion  of  ex  situ  and  in  situ  conservation,  characterisation,
collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture to promote
or complement, at Community level,  work implemented at  regional  or
national level.

– for  developing  European  decentralised,  permanent  and  widely
accessible web-based inventories of genetic resources in agriculture (in
particular, 
their  characteristics),  conservation
activities, facilities and databases currently available or being developed
in the Community.

their  origins  and 

Concerted actions

exchange  of  information  on  thematic  issues  on  national  actions  and
programmes  for  the  purpose  of  improving  the  co-ordination  of  these
initiatives as well as with measures undertaken at Community level and
with developments in international negotiations.

Accompanying actions

Information,  dissemination  and  advisory  actions 
the
organisation  of  seminars,  technical  conferences,  meetings  with  non-
governmental  organisations  (NGOs)  and  other  relevant  stakeholders,
training courses and the preparation of technical reports.

involving 

%

90

73

(53)

(20)

9

8

Technical assistance and consultation of experts (evaluation)

10 (8+2)

Total

100

22

 
LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Policy area: Agriculture

Activities: Environment/Biodiversity/Genetic resources in agriculture

TITLE OF ACTION: COUNCIL REGULATION ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY PROGRAMME ON THE
CONSERVATION, CHARACTERISATION, COLLECTION AND UTILISATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES
IN AGRICULTURE

1.

BUDGET LINES + HEADINGS

– 

– 

– 

2003: line B2 – 517; "Plant and animal genetic resources",

2004  and  following  years:  line  05 04 03 02;  "plant  and  animal  genetic
resources",

2004  and  following  years:  technical  assistance  (contract  for  the  provision  of
services) should be foreseen on a new budget line to be established.

2.

OVERALL FIGURES

2.1.

Total allocation for action (Part B):

€ 10 Mio for commitment appropriation.

2.2.

Period of application

Community programme: from the adoption up to end 2006. However, the duration
of the actions co-financed extends beyond the duration of the Community programme:
a  final  last  call  for  proposals  for  actions  will  be  launched  in  2006  and  the  related
selected  actions  will  last  until  2010/2011.  Commitments  regarding  technical  and
administrative assistance will last until 2010/2011.

Council Regulation: from the adoption up to repealing

2.3.

Overall multi-annual estimate of expenditure

(a)

commitment 
Schedule  of 
intervention) (see point 6.1.1)

appropriations/payment 

appropriations 

(financial

€ Mio  (to three decimal places)

Commitments

Payments

(1)

2003
(EU)
p.m.(1)

p.m.

2004
(EU)

2,000

0,800

2005
(EU)

3,260

0,800

2006
(EU)

3,760

1,600

2007
(EU)

2008/9
(EU)

2010/11
(EU)

1,600

2,120

2,100

Total
(EU)

9,020

9,020

€  1,5  Mio  entered  in  budget  (reserve  chapter)  but  will  not  be  used.  No  call  for  proposals  and
actions will be launched in 2003.

23

 
(b)

Technical and administrative assistance and support expenditure (see point 6.1.2)

NB From 2004, administrative expenditure (contracts for the provision of services) shall be

foreseen on a new budget line to be established

Commitments

Payments

–

–

p.m.

p.m.

0,220

0,220

0,240

0,240

0,120

0,120

0,200

0,200

0,200

0,200

0,980

0,980

Subtotal a + b

Commitments

Payments

(1)

p.m.(1)

p.m.

2,000

0,800

3,480

1,020

4,000

1,840

0,120

1,720

0,200

2,320

0,200

2,300

10,000

10,000

€  1,5  Mio  entered  in  budget  (reserve  chapter)  but  will  not  be  used.  No  call  for  proposals  and
actions will be launched in 2003.

(c)

Overall  financial  impact  of  human  resources  and  other  administrative  expenditure
(see points 7.2 and 7.3)

NB This  expenditure  is  not  covered  by  the  budget  allocation  to  this  Community
programme. It deals with other administrative expenditure deriving from the action.

Commitments /
Payments

0,266

0,266

0,266

0,266

0,532

0,532

2,128

2.4.

Compatibility with financial programming and financial perspective

X

Proposal is compatible with existing financial programming.

2.5.

Financial impact on revenue

X

Proposal  has  no  financial  implications  (involves  technical  aspects  regarding
implementation of a measure)

3.

BUDGET CHARACTERISTICS

Type of
expenditure

New

EFTA participation

Participation from
applicant countries

Heading in financial
perspective

DNO

CD

NO

Yes, without EU
financial
contribution

Yes, without EU
financial
contribution until
May 2004

Heading 3
(Internal Policies)

4.

LEGAL BASIS

Treaty establishing the European Community (in particular Article 37).

Proposal for a Council regulation establishing a Community programme on the  conservation,
characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture.

24

 
4.1

(a)

Line situation concerning the obligations of legal basis

Completion  of  the  actions  financed  under  the  Community  programme  launched  by
Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  1467/94of  20  June  1994  on  the  conservation,
characterisation, collection and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture covering
the period 1995–1999, which terminated on 31 December 1999.

Being  a  project-based  financing  programme  the  requested  budget  concerns  only
payments  necessary  to  honour  the  various  phases  and  the  payments  requests  which
will  be  presented  up  to  the  completion  of  the  last  project  for  which  a  financing
decision has been taken (in 2005).

(b)

Proposal  for  a  Council  regulation  establishing  a  Community  programme  on  the
conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic  resources  in
agriculture and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1467/94:

– 

this  new  programme  is  planned  for  the  period  2004–2006  (However,  the
duration  of  the  actions  co-financed  extends  beyond  the  duration  of  the
Community  programme:  a  final  last  call  for  proposals  for  actions  will  be
launched in 2006 and the related selected actions will last until 2010/2011),

– 

non executable appropriations before adoption of the Council Regulation.

4.2

Schedule to be filled for multi-annual interventions

– 

– 

total budget for the action – new regulation: 10 Mio € EU

implementation  period:  2004–2006  (Community  programme)  and  following
years for grant agreements and service contracts concluded before 31 December
2006.

– 

pluri-annual programming (total a + b).

Commitments in € Mio,

 to three decimal places

Situation
End 2002
EU

EU
Budget
2003

EU
APB
2004

EU

2005

EU

2006

EU

2007

0

p.m.

2,000

3,480

4,000

0,120

EU

2008/
2009

0,200

EU

2010/
2011

0,200

EU

TOTAL

10,000

5.

DESCRIPTION AND GROUNDS

5.1.

Need for Community intervention

5.1.1. Objectives pursued

Biological  and  genetic  diversity  in  agriculture  is  essential  to  the  sustainable  development  of
agricultural production and of rural areas. A new Community programme is proposed for the
period 2004–2006 to complement and promote at Community level the work undertaken in the
Member  States  for  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of  genetic
resources in agriculture. The programme shall contribute to achieving the aims of the Common
Agricultural  Policy,  the  implementation  of  the  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity  and  the
related  European  Community  Biodiversity  Strategy  which  includes  an  Action  Plan  for
Biodiversity conservation and the protection of genetic resources in agriculture.

25

 
5.1.2. Measures taken in connection with ex ante evaluation

Owing to the somewhat low budget devoted to the new programme (EUR 10 Mio), its financial
impact is not considered as significant in the sense of Article 27(4) of the Financial Regulation
(Council Regulation No 1605/2002).

In addition, a new programme was called for on various occasions:

– 

– 

– 

– 

The  ex  post  evaluation  carried  out 
the  previous  programme
(COM(2001) 617  final,  Vol  II)  was  mostly  positive  and  provided  arguments  for
continuing the programme.

in  2001  on 

The  Council  requested  a  new  programme  in  its  strategy  for  the  integration  of
environment  and  sustainable  development  in  the  Common  Agricultural  Policy
(document No 13078/99 of 15.11.1999).

In  its  Communication  "Biodiversity  Action  Plan  for  Agriculture"  (COM(2001) 162,
Volume  III  of  27  March  2001),  the  Commission  proposed  to  launch  a  new
Community  programme  on 
the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and
utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture.

In  its  Communication  "Life  Sciences  and  Biotechnology  –  A  Strategy  for  Europe"
(COM(2002) 27),  the  Commission  announced  that  it  will  launch  a  new  Community
programme on genetic resources in agriculture.

It  should  also  be  mentioned  that  a  first  proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  on  the  same  topic
was  presented  by  the  Commission  to  the  Council  in  October  2001  (COM(2001) 617  final,
Volume I) and discussed by the Member States in June 2002 in the Council Special Committee
on  Agriculture  and  in  the  EP  Committee  on  Agriculture  and  Rural  Development  before  the
entry into force of the new Financial Regulation.

As  a  consequence  of  the  above-mentioned  considerations,  no  specific  ex  ante  evaluation  has
been deemed necessary for the new programme.

5.1.3. Measures taken following ex-post evaluation

In February 2000, independent experts drew up an evaluation report on the implementation of
the  previous  programme,  as  provided  for  in  Regulation  (EC)  No  1467/94.  That  report  was
forwarded  to  the  Council  and  to  the  Parliament  (COM(2001) 617  final,  Volume  II  of
31.10.2001).

The recommendations of the evaluation by independent experts can be summarised as follows:

*

*

*

*

maintain  and  strengthen  the  action,  while  taking  care  to  ensure  a  better  balance
between projects on "plants" and "animals",

the  concept  of  on-farm  conservation  and  respond 

include 
to  regional/local
requirements  (bio-geographic  regions)  while  promoting  more  active  participation  of
NGOs,

increase co-ordination between the Member States and the Commission with regard to
negotiations and actions at FAO level,

target  measures  more  towards  a  broader  coverage  concerning  the  participation  of
project partners from different Member States in a certain category of projects.

26

 
The evaluation by independent experts pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1467/94 concluded by
recommending a new Community Programme.

A  series  of  additional  consultations  of  stakeholders  took  place  in  2000  and  a  meeting  of  the
Committee on Genetic Resources (set up by Council Regulation (EC) No 1467/94), which was
consulted  in  its  advisory  function  and  which  was  also  attended  by  representatives  of  the
European Parliament, numerous NGOs, scientists (project co-ordinators) and representatives of
users of genetic resources, was held in June 2000. The following recommendations emerged in
the course of the various consultations:

*

*

*

*

*

the new Community Programme should promote increased participation by NGOs and
other  operators,  in  particular  in  the  field  of  in  situ/on  farm  conservation,  and  give
these operators increased access to Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 19992,

it should co-ordinate international activities in the field of genetic resource protection,

it  should  provide  for  more  information  and  publicity-related  activities,  in  particular
with a view to increasing the use of local or rare varieties or breeds,

it should promote better use and transfer of the results towards the market (users),

it  should  establish  a  decentralised  and  permanent  European  inventory  of  the  genetic
resources available, as well as of their origins and their characteristics.

The  proposed  text  takes  account  of  the  recommendations  of  the  experts  and  stakeholders,  as
described i.a. in Recitals 3, 4, 5 and 7, in Articles 5, 6 and 7 and in Annex I.

5.2.

Action envisaged and budget intervention arrangements

Following adoption the Communication will be transmitted to the Council for adoption and to
the European Parliament for opinion. A draft work programme covering the period 2004–2006
shall  be  established  following  the  entry  into  force  of  this  Regulation.  The  work  programme
shall set out the detailed objectives, the thematic issues, the type of actions, the modalities of
participation  and  the  relevant  financial  provisions  to  be  adopted.  It  will  be  adopted  by  the
Commission. The Commission shall ensure the implementation of the Community programme
on the basis of this work programme.

5.3.

Methods of implementation

The Commission shall, within the work programme referred to in point 5.2 and on the basis of
calls for proposals for actions published in the C series of the Official Journal of the European
Union,  select  the  actions  to  be  financed  under  the  Community  programme.  The  calls  for
proposals shall cover the actions referred to in Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the Regulation (targeted,
concerted and accompanying actions).

The Commission  is assisted by a Committee on  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection
and utilisation of genetic resources in agriculture, composed of representatives of the Member
States  and  chaired  by  a  representative  of  the  Commission.  The  management  procedure
provided  for  in  Article  4  of  Decision  1999/468/EC  shall  apply,  in  compliance  with  Article 7
thereof.

The  content  of  the  calls  for  proposals  shall  be  established  in  accordance  with  the  procedure
referred to in Article 15 of the Regulation.

Proposals for actions to be financed under the Community programme shall be selected on the
basis of independent expert assessment and adopted in accordance with the procedure referred
to in Article 15 of the Regulation. The independent experts shall be invited by the Commission.

27

 
After adoption of the selected actions, the  Commission shall  conclude  grant  agreements with
the  participants  in  these  actions  in  compliance  with  the  relevant  Articles  under  Title  VI  of
Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002. The grant agreements shall set out detailed
criteria  for  the  reporting,  dissemination,  protection  and  exploitation  of  the  results  of  the
actions.

The  Commission  shall  take  the  necessary  steps,  in  particular  by  means  of  technical,
administrative  and  accounting  checks  at  the  premises  of  the  beneficiaries,  to  verify  that  the
information and supporting  documents supplied are accurate, and that  all  the obligations laid
down in the grant agreement have been fulfilled.

The  Commission  may  call  on  the  assistance  of  scientific  and  technical  experts  for  the
implementation  of the Community programme,  including  support  for  the  preparation  of  calls
for  proposals,  evaluation  of  technical  and  financial  reports,  monitoring,  reporting  and
information purposes.

6.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

6.1.

Total financial impact on Part B – (over the entire programming period)

6.1.1.

Financial intervention

Commitments (in € million to three decimal places)

Breakdown

Targeted actions

Concerted actions

Accompanying actions

2003
(EU)

p.m.

p.m.

p.m.

TOTAL

p.m.(1)

2004
(EU)

1,625

0,200

0,175

2,000

2005
(EU)

2,660

0,320

0,280

3,260

2006£
(EU)

2007
(EU)

2008/9
(EU)

2010/11
(EU)

3,060

0,370

0,330

3,760

Total
(EU)

7,345

0,890

0,785

9,020

(1)

€  1,5  Mio  entered  in  budget  (reserve  chapter)  but  will  not  be  used.  No  call  for  proposals  and  actions  will  be
launched in 2003.

28

 
6.1.2.

Technical  and  administrative  assistance,  support  expenditure  and  IT  expenditure
(commitment appropriations)

2003
(EU)

2004
(EU)

2005
(EU)

2006£
(EU)

2007
(EU)

2008/9
(EU)

2010/11
(EU)

Total
(EU)

(1) Technical and

administrative assistance

(a) Technical assistance

offices

(b) Other 

technical 

and
administrative assistance:
–intra muros:
– extra muros:
(in accordance with tasks
referred  to  in  Art.  12  of
the draft Regulation)

p.m.

p.m.

0,100

0,100

0,100

0,200

0,200

0,700(1)

Subtotal 1

p.m.

p.m.

0,100

0,100

0,100

0,200

0,200

0,700(1)

(2) Support expenditure

(a) Studies

(b) Meetings  of  experts  for
of
the 
proposals 
as
referred  to  in  Art.  9(5)
of the draft Regulation)

evaluation 
(calls) 

(c) Information 
publications

and

Subtotal 2

p.m.

0,120

0,140

0,020

0,280(1)

TOTAL

p.m.

p.m.

0,220

0,240

0,120

0,200

0,200

0,980(1)

(1)

From 2004, administrative expenses (contracts for the provision of services) shall be foreseen on a new budget line
to be established.

29

 
6.2.

Calculation  of  costs  by  measure  envisaged  in  Part  B  (over  the  entire
programming period)

Commitments (in € Mio to three decimal places)

Breakdown

Type
of outputs
(projects, files )

Number of outputs
(total for years
1 to n)

Average unit
cost

2
8 (1)
6 (1)
10 (1)

3

0,920
0,150
0,080

1

projects
projects
projects
evaluation reports

progress 
information papers

reports,

– Targeted actions
– Concerted actions
– Accompanying actions
– Experts  meetings  and  experts
consultations as referred to in
draft
Art. 9(5) 
Regulation
– Technical 

assistance
(programme 
implementation
and monitoring, as referred to
in  Art.  12  of 
the  draft
Regulation)

the 

of 

TOTAL COST

Total cost
(total for years
1 to n)

4 = (2 x 3)

7,345
0,890
0,785
0,280 (2)

0,700 (3)

10,000

(1)

(2)

The definition of number of outputs for the three actions is indicative. The final  number  of  selected  actions  will
depend on the outcome of the calls for proposals and the subsequent expert evaluation exercise.

Expert expenditure for meetings and for evaluation of proposals and programme; related reporting: 40 experts for 1
week in 2005, 50 experts for 1 week in 2006 and 10 experts for 1 week in 2007. Average cost unit is € 2800/week.

(3) Technical assistance: € 0,100 Mio/year for 7 years.

7.

IMPACT ON STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

7.1.

Impact on human resources

Types of post

Staff to be assigned to management of the
action using existing and/or additional
resources

Number of
temporary posts

Officials or
temporary staff

Number of
permanent posts
0.5
1.0
0.5

A
B
C

Other human resources

Total

2.0

Total

0.5
1.0
0.5

2.0

7.2.

Overall financial impact of human resources

Description of tasks deriving
from the action

Desk officers and management
Study contracts, payments, informatics
Secretarial support

Type of human resources

Officials
Temporary staff

Other human resources

Amount (€ )

216 000

Method of calculation (1)

(specify budget line)

Total

216 000

(1)

The amounts are total expenditure for twelve months.

30

 
7.3.

Other administrative expenditure deriving from the action (NB: expenditure not
covered by the Community programme budget allocation)

Budget line

(number and heading)

Amount (Mio € )

Method of calculation

0,0104

0,040

8  x  €1300  (based  on  two-day  missions  including  €300
indemnity + €850 travelling + €150 accommodation)
2 Committee meetings (EU: € 20000)

Overall allocation (Title A7)
A0701 – Missions
A07030 – Meetings
A07031 – Compulsory committees (1)
A07032 – Non-compulsory committees (1)
A07040 – Conferences
A0705 – Studies and consultations
Other expenditure (specify)

Information systems (A-5001/A-4300)

Other expenditure – Part A (specify)

Total

0,0504

See above

(1)

The  Commission  is  assisted  by  a  Committee  on  the  conservation,  characterisation,  collection  and  utilisation  of
genetic resources in agriculture composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by a representative of
the  Commission.  The  management  procedure  provided  for  in  Article  4  of  Decision  1999/468/EC  shall  apply,  in
compliance with Article 7 thereof.

The amounts are total expenditure for twelve months.

I.

II.

III.

Annual total (7.2 + 7.3)

Duration of action

Total cost of action (I x II)

0,266 Mio €

8 years

2,128 Mio €

The  needs  for  human  and  administrative  resources  shall  be  covered  within  the  allocation
granted to the managing DGs in the framework of the annual allocation procedure.

8.

FOLLOW-UP AND EVALUATION

8.1.

Follow-up arrangements

The  Commission  proposes  to  review  the  effectiveness  of  the  new  Community  programme  at  the
end of the programme, appointing a group of independent experts to report on the implementation
of  the  Regulation,  to  assess  the  results  and  to  make  appropriate  recommendations.  The  group's
report, together with the Commission's comments, shall be submitted to the European Parliament,
the  Council  and  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee.  Where  appropriate,  the
Commission may propose that the Council adopt a new period of application for the Community
programme.

8.2.

Arrangements and schedule for the planned evaluation

See follow-up/evaluation arrangements under point 8.1 above.

9.

ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES

Expenditure  on  the  proposed  actions  (targeted,  concerted  and  accompanying  actions)  and  on
technical  assistance  will  be  subject  to  the  Commission’s  usual  control  mechanisms.  The
Commission shall take the necessary steps, in particular by means of technical, administrative and
accounting checks at the premises of the beneficiaries, to verify that the information and supporting
documents supplied are accurate, and that all the obligations laid down in the grant agreement have
been fulfilled. Therefore there is no need for supplementary anti-fraud measures.

31