European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (COM(2004)0490 - C6-0181/2004 - 2004/0161(CNS))
Date: 2005-06-07
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: common agricultural policy, economic and social cohesion, fund (EU), rural development, sustainable development

25.5.2006

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P6_TA(2005)0215

EAFRD support for rural development *

European Parliament legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council regulation on support for
(EAFRD)
rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

(COM(2004)0490 — C6-0181/2004 — 2004/0161(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

— having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2004)0490) (1),

— having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament

(C6-0181/2004),

— having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

— having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (CESE 251/05),

— having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinions

of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Regional Development (A6-0145/2005),

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC

2.
Treaty;

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal

4.
substantially;

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

TEXT PROPOSED
BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 1

Recital 3

(3) The reform of the CAP in June 2003 and April 2004
introduced major changes likely to have a significant impact
on the economy across the whole rural territory of the Com-
munity in terms of agricultural production patterns,
land
management methods, employment and the wider social and
economic conditions in rural areas.

(3) The reform of the CAP in June 2003 and April 2004
introduced major changes likely to have a significant impact
on the economy across the whole rural territory of the Com-
munity in terms of the structural development of agriculture,
regional distribution and intensity of production, as well as
agricultural production patterns, land management methods,
employment and the wider social and economic conditions in
rural areas.

Amendment 2

Recital 3 a (new)

(3a)
In the coming years, the European food and agri-
culture sector will become increasingly liberalised, and will
have to be able to compete in the global marketplace. EU
common policies should provide opportunities for improved
competitiveness through innovation.

Amendment 3

Recital 3 b (new)

Increased competitiveness in the food and agricultural
(3b)
sector in rural areas will require the development of Euro-
pean quality labels that reflect food safety, documentation
of production processes (traceability), animal welfare, envir-
onment and working conditions.

(1) Not yet published in OJ.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 4

Recital 5

(5) The Community may take measures in accordance with
the principle of subsidiarity as provided for in Article 5 of the
rural development cannot be
Treaty. Since the goal of
achieved adequately by the Member States given the links
between it and the other instruments of the Common Agri-
cultural Policy, the extent of the disparities between rural
areas and the limits on the financial resources of the Member
States in an enlarged Union, it can be better achieved at Com-
munity level
through the multiannual guarantee of Com-
munity finance and by concentrating it on its priorities.
According to the principle of proportionality as stated in
Article 5 of
the present Regulation does not
exceed what is necessary to achieve this goal.

the Treaty,

(5) The Community may take measures in accordance with
the principle of subsidiarity as provided for in Article 5 of the
rural development cannot be
Treaty. Since the goal of
achieved adequately by the Member States given the links
between it and the other instruments of the common agri-
cultural policy, the extent of the disparities between rural
areas and the limits on the financial resources of the Member
States in an enlarged Union, it can be better achieved at Com-
munity level
through the multiannual guarantee of Com-
munity finance and by concentrating it on its priorities. The
European Union must ensure that this Regulation is made
financially viable
sufficient
funding to enable both old and new rural-development activ-
ities to be funded. According to the principle of proportion-
ality as stated in Article 5 of the Treaty, the present Regulation
does not exceed what is necessary to achieve this goal.

through the allocation of

Amendment 5

Recital 6

(6) The activities of
the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development, hereinafter called the ‘Fund’, and the
operations to which it contributes must be consistent and
compatible with the other Community policies and comply
with all Community legislation.

(6) The activities of
the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development, hereinafter called the ‘Fund’, and the
operations to which it contributes must be consistent and
compatible with cohesion policy in rural areas and the other
Community policies and comply with all Community legisla-
tion.

Amendment 6

Recital 7

In its action in favour of rural development the Com-
(7)
munity takes care to encourage the elimination of disparities
and the promotion of equality between women and men in
accordance with Articles 2 and 3 of the Treaty.

In its action in favour of rural development the Com-
(7)
munity takes care to encourage the elimination of disparities
and the promotion of non-discrimination and equality
between women and men in accordance with Articles 2 and 3
of the Treaty.

Amendment 7

Recital 11

(11) To ensure the sustainable development of rural areas it
is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priority
objectives at Community level relating to agricultural and
forestry competitiveness, land management and environment,
and quality of life and diversification of activities in those
areas.

(11) To ensure the sustainable development of rural areas it
is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priority
objectives at Community level relating to agricultural and
forestry competitiveness, land management and environment,
and quality of life and diversification of activities in those
areas, taking into account, however, the diversity of situa-
tions within the EU, ranging from remote rural areas
suffering from depopulation and decline to peri-urban areas
under increasing pressure from urban centres.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 8

Recital 16

(16) The granting of specific benefits to young farmers may
facilitate both their initial establishment and the structural
adjustment of their holdings after their initial setting up. The
setting-up measure should be streamlined by granting a
single premium and made conditional on the establishment
of a business plan ensuring the development of young
farmers' activities.

(16) The granting of specific benefits to young farmers may
facilitate both their initial establishment and the structural
adjustment of their holdings after their initial setting up. The
setting-up measure should be conditional upon the presenta-
tion of a suitable business plan as an instrument to ensure
over time the development of the activity of the new under-
taking. In order to facilitate the starting-up and develop-
ment of the new undertaking this business plan should be
backed up by appropriate incentives, by means of an inte-
grated package of measures concerning the various axes of
intervention.

Amendment 9

Recital 23

(23)
Improvements in the processing and marketing of
primary agricultural and forestry production should be
encouraged by means of support for investments aimed at
improving efficiency in the processing and marketing sector,
promoting the processing of agricultural and forestry produc-
introducing new technologies,
tion for renewable energy,
and
opening new market opportunities
forestry products, putting emphasis on quality,
improving
performance in the environmental protection, occupational
safety, hygiene and animal welfare fields, as appropriate, by
targeting small and micro-enterprises which are better placed
to add value to local products, while simplifying the condi-
tions for investment aid as compared with those laid down in
Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999.

for agricultural

(23)
Improvements in the processing and marketing of
primary agricultural and forestry production should be
encouraged by means of support for investments aimed at
improving efficiency in the processing and marketing sector,
promoting the processing of agricultural and forestry produc-
introducing new technologies,
tion for renewable energy,
for agricultural and
opening new market opportunities
forestry products, putting emphasis on quality,
improving
performance in the environmental protection, occupational
safety, hygiene and animal welfare fields, by supporting
micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises and
collective producer entities, which are better placed to add
value to local products, while simplifying the conditions for
investment aid as compared with those laid down in Council
Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999.

Amendment 10

Recital 32

(32) Natural handicap payments in mountain areas and
payments in other areas with handicaps should contribute,
through continued use of agricultural land, to maintaining the
countryside, and the maintenance and promotion of sustain-
able farming systems. Objective parameters for fixing the level
of payments should be laid down in order to ensure the effi-
ciency of this support scheme and ensure that its objectives
are achieved.

(32) Natural handicap payments in mountain areas and
payments in other areas with handicaps should contribute,
through continued use of agricultural land, to maintaining the
countryside, and the maintenance and promotion of sustain-
able farming systems. Objective parameters for fixing the level
of payments should be laid down in order to ensure the effi-
ciency of this support scheme and ensure that its objectives
are achieved. While maintaining the requisite continuity in
the demarcation of areas with handicaps, in future the basic
concept should focus mainly on natural handicaps within a
Member State. For the system of compensatory payments,
Member States should be called upon to develop systems
which differentiate objectively. The Commission is called
upon to submit a comprehensive study on how to define
areas with handicaps, looking at all relevant aspects. Until
then, the current definition should apply.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 11

Recital 33

(33) Support should continue to be granted to farmers to
help address specific disadvantages in the areas concerned
resulting from the implementation of Council Directive
79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild
birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on
the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora in order to contribute to the effective management of
NATURA 2000 sites.

(33) While support should continue to be granted to farmers
and forest holders to help address specific disadvantages in
the areas concerned resulting from the implementation of
Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conser-
vation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21
May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild
fauna and flora in order to contribute to the effective manage-
ment of NATURA 2000 sites, the European Agricultural
Fund for Rural Development should be only a secondary
source of such funding. In addition to other European funds,
the primary sources of funding are, above all, the national
and regional budgets.

Amendment 12

Recital 34

(34) Agri-environmental payments should continue to play a
prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of
rural areas and in responding to society's increasing demand
for environmental services. They should further encourage
farmers to serve society as a whole by introducing or conti-
nuing to apply agricultural production methods compatible
with the protection and improvement of the environment, the
landscape and its features, natural resources,
the soil and
genetic diversity. In accordance with the polluter-pays prin-
ciple these payments should cover only those commitments
going beyond the relevant mandatory standards.

(34) Agri-environmental payments should continue to play a
prominent role in supporting the sustainable development of
rural areas and in responding to society's increasing demand
for environmental services. They should further encourage
farmers to serve society as a whole by introducing or conti-
nuing to apply agricultural production methods compatible
with the protection and improvement of the environment, the
landscape and its features, natural resources,
the soil and
genetic diversity. In accordance with the polluter-pays prin-
ciple these payments should cover only those commitments
going beyond the relevant mandatory standards, with provi-
sion for effective support elements in addition to compensa-
tion for the effects on costs and profits.

Amendment 13

Recital 45

activities

and develop non-agricultural

(45) There is a need to accompany changes in rural areas by
helping them to diversify farming activities towards non-agri-
cultural
sectors,
promote employment, improve basic services and carry out
investments making rural areas more attractive in order to
reverse trends towards economic and social decline and
depopulation of the countryside. An effort to enhance the
human potential in this respect is also necessary.

activities

and develop non-agricultural

(45) There is a need to accompany changes in rural areas by
helping them to diversify farming activities towards non-agri-
cultural
sectors,
promote employment, improve basic services and carry out
investments making rural areas more attractive in order to
reverse trends towards economic and social decline and
depopulation of the countryside. An effort to enhance the
human potential in this respect is also necessary. Rural devel-
opment measures, particularly those under priority axis III,
should be implemented in addition to existing policies and
thereby create specific synergies in rural areas.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 14

Recital 50

(50) Given the importance of
the LEADER approach, a
substantial share of the contribution of the Fund should be
earmarked for this priority.

(50) Given the importance of the LEADER approach, an
adequate share of the contribution of the Fund should be
earmarked for this priority.

Amendment 15

Recital 56

(56) Over and above these amounts the Member States must
take account of the amounts generated by modulation as
provided for in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No …/… [on
the financing of the CAP].

(56) Over and above these amounts the Member States must
take account of the amounts generated by modulation as
provided for in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No …/… [on
the financing of the CAP], which amounts, given that they
originate in the first pillar, should be used to provide direct
support for the common agricultural policy in farming and
forestry, in particular by increasing aid to the farmers that
receive least.

Amendment 16

Recital 58

(58) The rate of the Fund's contribution to rural develop-
ment programming should be set in relation to public expen-
diture in the Member States, taking account of the importance
of the priority for land management and environment, the
situation in the regions covered by the Convergence Objective,
the priority given to the LEADER approach, the outermost
regions referred to in Article 299 of the Treaty and the islands
covered by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 of 19 July
1993 introducing specific measures for the smaller Aegean
islands concerning certain agricultural products7.

(58) The rate of the Fund's contribution to rural develop-
ment programming should be set in relation to public expen-
diture in the Member States, taking account of the importance
of the priority for land management and environment, the
situation in the regions covered by the Convergence Objective,
the importance given to the LEADER approach, the outermost
regions referred to in Article 299 of the Treaty and the islands
covered by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 of 19 July
1993 introducing specific measures for the smaller Aegean
islands concerning certain agricultural products7.

Amendment 17

Recital 66

(66) The Community reserve for the LEADER approach
should be allocated taking the performance
the
programmes in this respect into account. The criteria for its
allocation should be laid down accordingly.

of

deleted

Amendment 18

Article 3

The Fund contributes to the promotion of sustainable rural
development throughout the Community in a complementary
manner to the market and income support policies of the
Common Agricultural Policy, to Cohesion policy and to the
Common Fisheries Policy.

With specific reference to Article 33(1) of the Treaty, and
placing particular emphasis on the objectives of the common
agricultural policy, the Fund contributes to the promotion of
sustainable rural territory development throughout the Com-
munity and to the prevention of depopulation of rural areas
in a complementary manner to the market and income
support policies of the Common Agricultural Policy, to Cohe-
sion Policy, to policies on social inclusion, non-discrimina-
tion and promotion of equal opportunities and to the
Common Fisheries Policy.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 19

Article 4, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)

improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry
by means of support for restructuring;

(a)

improving the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry
by means of support for development and restructuring,
innovation, training and professional qualifications;

Amendment 20

Article 4, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b)

improving the environment and the countryside by means
of support for land management;

(b)

improving the environment, the countryside and farming
of the land by means of support for sustainable land
management;

Amendment 21

Article 4, paragraph 1, point (c)

(c)

improving the quality of life in rural areas and encoura-
ging diversification of economic activity.

(c)

improving the quality of life in and the cultural develop-
ment of rural areas and encouraging the development and
the diversification of economic activity.

Amendment 22

Article 4, paragraph 1, point (c a) (new)

(ca) improving the supply to the local and regional popula-

tion of farm products produced in their area;

Amendment 23

Article 4, paragraph 1, point (c b) (new)

(cb) increasing the

contribution to sustainable

energy

supply and climate protection.

Amendment 24

Article 5, paragraph 1

The Fund shall complement national, regional and local

1.
actions contributing to the priorities of the Community.

The Fund shall complement national, regional and local
1.
actions without prejudice to the implementation of corre-
sponding national development programmes contributing to
the priorities of the Community.

Amendment 25

Article 5, paragraph 2

The Commission and the Member States shall ensure
2.
that the assistance from the Fund and the Member States is
consistent with the activities, policies and priorities of the
Community. The assistance of the Fund must be consistent
with the objectives of Economic and Social Cohesion and
those of the European Fisheries Fund in particular.

The Commission and the Member States shall ensure
2.
that the assistance from the Fund and the Member States is
consistent with the activities, policies and priorities of the
Community. The assistance of the Fund must be consistent
with the objectives of Economic, Social and Territorial Cohe-
sion and those of the European Fisheries Fund and environ-
ment policy in particular.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 26

Article 5, paragraph 4

There shall also be consistency with the measures

4.
financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund.

4.
There shall also be consistency with the measures
financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund, which
must be clearly distinguished from the financing measures
put in place by other structural funds.

Amendment 27

Article 6, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b) the economic and social partners;

(b) the bodies representing the economic and social partners

and rural organisations involved in this sector;

Amendment 28

Article 6, paragraph 3

The partnership shall be involved in the preparation and
3.
monitoring of the national strategy plan and in the prepara-
tion, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the rural
development programmes. The Member States shall involve all
appropriate partners at the various programming stages, due
regard being had to the time limit set for each step.

The partnership shall be involved in the preparation and
3.
monitoring of the national strategy plan and in the prepara-
tion, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the rural
development programmes. The Member States shall involve all
appropriate partners at the various programming stages. In
programme planning, therefore, care must be taken to allow
enough time to consult the various partners and ensure
genuine participation.

Amendment 29

Article 7

The Member States shall be responsible for implementing the
rural development programmes at the appropriate territorial
level, according to their own institutional arrangements. This
responsibility shall be carried out in accordance with this
Regulation.

The Member States shall be responsible for implementing the
rural development programmes at the appropriate territorial
level, according to their own institutional arrangements and
the rules on subsidiarity as set out in the Treaty establishing
a Constitution for Europe. This responsibility shall be carried
out in accordance with this Regulation.

Amendment 30

Article 8, paragraph 1

The Member States and Commission shall promote equality
between men and women at all
stages of
programme implementation.

the various

The Member States and Commission shall promote equality
between men and women and non-discrimination on the
grounds listed in Article 13 of the Treaty at all the various
stages of programme implementation.

Amendment 31

Article 8, paragraph 2

This includes the stages of conception, implementation, moni-
toring and evaluation.

This includes the stages of conception, implementation, moni-
toring and evaluation, with gender mainstreaming being a
fundamental yardstick for the assessment of programme
eligibility.

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 32

Article 8, paragraph 2 a (new)

The Member States shall devise measures to facilitate access
by women to joint ownership of farms and to the aid
provided for in this Regulation.

Amendment 33

Article 8 a (new)

Article 8a

Specific aid to small and micro-enterprises

Member States and the Commission shall support small and
micro-enterprises on account of their special importance to
employment and the environment in rural areas. In view of
the special socioeconomic importance of the enterprises, each
Member State shall adopt criteria for financial support
which afford these enterprises privileged access to rural
development funding.

Amendment 34

Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1

1.
The Council adopts at Community level strategic guide-
lines for rural development for the programming period from
1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013 in the light of the
policy priorities set at Community level.

1.
The Council adopts at Community level strategic guide-
lines for rural development and particularly for the attain-
ment of the objectives referred to in Article 4 for the
programming period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December
2013 in the light of the policy priorities set at Community
level.

Amendment 35

Article 9, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2

These guidelines shall set at Community level the strategic
priorities for rural development for the programming period
with a view to implementing each of the priority headings
laid down in this Regulation.

rural development

These guidelines shall set at Community level strategic priori-
the programming period.
for
ties for
Without prejudice to Member States' exclusive powers
pursuant to the principle of subsidiarity, Member States
shall take account of those guidelines in their national
strategy plans as referred to in Article 11.

Amendment 36

Article 11, paragraph 3, point (e)

(e) the means to ensure coordination with the other CAP

instruments and with Cohesion policy;

(e) the means to ensure coordination between the CAP,
including the two pillars 1a and 1b, on the one hand and
cohesion, territorial convergence, regional competitivity
and employment policies, on the other;

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 37

Article 11, paragraph 3, point (g a) (new)

(ga) an outline of how the plan contributes to social inclu-

sion and non-discrimination.

Amendment 38

Article 11 a, paragraph 2

2.
Each Member State shall send the Commission its
national strategic plan before submitting its rural development
programmes.

2.
Each Member State shall send the Commission its
national strategic plan before or when submitting its rural
development programmes. If a Member State has only one
rural development programme, the national strategy may be
included as a separate chapter.

Amendment 39

Article 12, title and paragraph 1

Annual summary report by Member State

Summary report by Member State

For the first time in 2008 and no later than 1 October
1.
each year, each Member State shall submit to the Commission
a summary report setting out the progress made in imple-
menting its strategy and objectives and their contribution to
the achievement of the Community strategic guidelines for
rural development.

No later than 1 October 2010, each Member State shall
1.
submit to the Commission a summary report setting out the
progress made in implementing its strategy and objectives and
their contribution to the achievement of the Community stra-
tegic guidelines for rural development. After the conclusion
of the programming period, each Member State shall submit
a summary report on the programming period 2007-2013.

Amendment 40

Article 13, title and paragraph 1

Annual Commission report

Commission report

For the first time in 2009 and at the start of each year,
1.
the Commission shall present an annual report summarising
the main developments, trends and challenges relating to the
implementation of the national strategy plans and the Com-
munity strategic guidelines. This report shall be based on the
Commission's analysis and appraisal of the Member States'
annual summary reports referred to in Article 12 and any
other available information.
indicate the measures
taken or to be taken by the Member States and Commission
in order to provide an appropriate follow-up to the report's
conclusions.

It shall

the reports of

After the submission of

the Commission shall present a report

the Member
1.
States,
in 2011
summarising the main developments, trends and challenges
relating to the implementation of the national strategy plans
and the Community strategic guidelines. This report shall be
based on the Commission's analysis and appraisal of
the
Member States' summary reports referred to in Article 12 and
any other available information. It shall indicate the measures
taken or to be taken by the Member States and Commission
in order to provide an appropriate follow-up to the report's
conclusions.

Amendment 41

Article 13, paragraph 2

The annual Commission report shall be sent to the
and Social

2.
Council, Parliament,
Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

the European Economic

The Commission report shall be sent to the European
the Council, the European Economic and Social

2.
Parliament,
Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

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BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 42

Article 14, paragraph 2

A Member State may submit either a single programme

2.
for its entire territory or a programme for each region.

A Member State may

2.
a national
programme or regional programmes or a combination of the
two types of programme.

submit

either

Amendment 43

Article 16

The Community financial contribution to each of the three
objectives referred to in Article 4 shall cover at least 15 % of
the Fund's total contribution to the programme for priority
axis I and III referred to in Sections I and III respectively
under Chapter I of Title IV and 25 % of the Fund's total
contribution to the programme for the priority axis II referred
to in Section II of Chapter I.

The Community financial contribution to each of the five
objectives referred to in Article 4 shall cover at least 10 % of
the Fund's total contribution to the programme for priority
axis I referred to in Section I under Chapter I of Title IV, 20 %
of the Fund's total contribution to the programme for the
priority axis II referred to in Section II of Chapter I and 8 %
of the Fund's total contribution to the programme for
priority axis III referred to in Section III of Chapter I.

Amendment 44

Article 18, paragraph 1

1.
The rural development programmes shall be re-exa-
mined and, if appropriate, adapted for the remainder of the
period at
the Member State's or Commission's initiative,
following Monitoring Committee approval. The purpose of
these revisions shall be to take account of the outcome of
evaluations and the Commission's annual reports, particularly
with a view to strengthening or adapting the way in which
the Community priorities are taken into account. The rural
development programmes shall be revised, when applicable,
following allocation of the LEADER reserve referred to in
Article 92.

1.
The rural development programmes shall be re-exa-
mined and, if appropriate, adapted for the remainder of the
period at
the Member State's or Commission's initiative,
following Monitoring Committee approval. The purpose of
these revisions shall be to take account of the outcome of
evaluations and the Commission's annual reports, particularly
with a view to strengthening or adapting the way in which
the Community priorities are taken into account.

Amendment 45

Article 19, point (a) (v a) (new)

(va) technical support for farmers and forest holders;

Amendment 46

Article 19, point (b) (i)

(i) farm modernisation,

(i) farm modernisation, extending to the smallest holdings,

Amendment 47

Article 19, point (b) (v a) (new)

(va) experimental development;

Amendment 48

Article 19, point (c) (i)

(i) helping farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on

Community legislation,

(i) helping farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on
Community legislation with a view to optimum food
safety,

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AMENDMENTS
BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 130

Article 19, point (c) (ii)

(ii) supporting farmers who participate

in food quality

schemes,

(ii) supporting farmers and producer groups who participate
in food quality schemes, e.g. in the framework of Council
Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 of 14 July 1992 on the
protection of geographical indications and designations
of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (1),

(1) OJ L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 1.

Amendment 50

Article 19, point (c) (iii a) (new)

(iiia) supporting initiatives such as local farmers' markets

and quality food local procurement schemes;

Amendment 51

Article 19, point (d) (i)

(i) supporting semi-subsistence farms undergoing restruc-

turing,

(i) supporting semi-subsistence farms, undergoing restruc-
turing, operating in rural, peri-urban and urban areas,

Amendment 52

Article 21, paragraph 1, introductory part

Support provided for

1.
granted to persons who:

in Article 19 (a)(ii), shall be

1.
Support provided for in Article 19(a)(ii) shall be manda-
tory for the Member States and the regions and shall be
granted to persons who:

Amendment 53

Article 21, paragraph 1, point (c)

(c) submit a business plan for the development of

their

farming activities.

(c) submit an appropriate business plan for the development
of their farming activities. The progress made with the
business plan shall be verified over the three years
following establishment.

Amendment 54

Article 21, paragraph 2

2.
The support shall be granted in the form of a single
premium up to the maximum amount laid down in Annex I.

2.
The support shall be granted in the form of a single
premium and/or an interest subsidy on loans up to a
maximum capitalised value of EUR 55 000.

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Amendment 55

Article 21, paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. With a view to supporting implementation of the
business plan referred to in paragraph 1(c), it is necessary
to ensure an integrated package of measures contributing to
the establishment and development of the new enterprise.
This package
intervention
measures pursuant to Title IV, permitting the financing of
further operations relating to one or more axes.

include one or more

shall

Amendment 56

Article 21, paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Measures to help young farmers set up in business
shall feature in all national and regional rural-development
programmes.

Amendment 57

Article 21, paragraph 2 c (new)

2c.
Young farmers supported under this Article may be
given a period not exceeding five years, after they have set
up, in which to comply with the conditions laid down in
Community standards or by minimum requirements in
connection with farm modernisation aid, payments intended
to compensate for the natural handicaps of mountain areas
and payments for other areas with handicaps, as well as
agrienvironment and animal welfare payments.

Amendment 58

Article 23, paragraph 1, point (b a) (new)

(ba) to help potential future farmers and forest owners to
meet costs arising from the preparation of the business
plan for the development of their farming activities.

Amendment 59

Article 25, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)

improve the overall performance of the farm, and

(a)

improve the overall economic and environmental perfor-
mance of the farm, and

Amendment 60

Article 25, paragraph 1, point (a a) (new)

(aa) create jobs, and

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Amendment 61

Article 26, title

Improvement of the economic value of forests

Improvement of the economic, ecological and social value of
forests

Amendment 62

Article 26, paragraph 1

1.
Investment support provided for in Article 19 (b)(ii)
shall be granted for forests owned by private owners or their
associations or by municipalities or their associations. This
limitation does not apply to the subtropical forests and to the
wooded areas of the territories of Açores, Madeira and French
Oversea Departments.

1.
Investment support provided for in Article 19(b)(ii) shall
be granted for forests owned by private owners or their asso-
ciations or by municipalities or their associations. This limita-
tion does not apply to the tropical or subtropical forests and
to the wooded areas of the territories of Azores, Madeira and
French Overseas Departments and of the European Union's
outermost regions. Investment support shall also be granted
for the establishment and structural reinforcement of forest
owner organisations so as to support members in the
sustainable and more efficient management of their forests.

Amendment 63

Article 26, paragraph 2

2.

Investments shall be based on forest management plans.

2.
Investments shall be based on forest management plans
for forest holdings of a size greater than that to be set by
the Member States in their programmes.

Amendment 64

Article 27, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a)

improve the overall performance of the enterprise;

(a)

improve the overall economic and environmental perfor-
mance of the enterprise;

Amendment 65

Article 27, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1

2.
Support under paragraph 1 shall be limited to micro
and small enterprises within the meaning of Commission
recommendation 2003/361/EC. In the case of forestry produc-
tion, support shall be limited to micro-enterprises.

2.
Support under paragraph 1 shall be granted to micro,
small and medium-sized enterprises within the meaning of
Commission recommendation 2003/361/EC, and to any
collective producer entity. In the case of forestry production,
support shall be limited to micro- and small enterprises and
associations of micro- and small enterprises.

Amendment 66

Article 28

Support provided for in Article 19 (b)(iv), may cover notably
operations related to access to farm and forest land, energy
supply and water management.

Support provided for in Article 19(b)(iv) may cover notably
operations related to land reparcelling, taking into account
the importance of landscape protection, access to farm and
forest
land, energy supply and water management, and
funding and equipment for public centres providing tech-
nical support for the agri-food sector.

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Amendment 131

Article 30, paragraph 1, point (b)

(b) be for Community food quality schemes or for those
recognised by the Member States which comply with
precise criteria to be defined in accordance with the proce-
dure referred to in Article 95(2); schemes whose sole
purpose is to provide a higher level of control of respect
of obligatory standards under Community or national law
shall not be eligible for support,

(b) be for Community food quality schemes, e.g.

in the
framework of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92, or for
those recognised by the Member States which comply
with precise criteria to be defined in accordance with the
procedure referred to in Article 95(2); schemes whose sole
purpose is to provide a higher level of control of respect
of obligatory standards under Community or national law
shall not be eligible for support,

Amendment 67

Article 31, paragraph 1 a (new)

The support may include information and promotion activ-
ities for:

(a) co-operation,

information

networking
between farmers, processors or other market actors in
the agro-food chain;

transfer

or

(b) transfer of know-how and best practices between
farmers, processors or other market actors in the
agro-food chain.

Amendment 68

Title IV, Chapter I, Section 2, title

PRIORITY AXIS 2:
LAND MANAGEMENT

PRIORITY AXIS 2:
IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COUN-
TRYSIDE

Amendment 69

Article 34, point (a) (iv)

(iv) agri-environment and animal welfare payments,

(iv) agri-environment and animal welfare payments and
measures to conserve and exploit agricultural genetic
diversity ‘on farm’,

Amendment 70

Article 34, point (a) (iv a) (new)

(iva) promotion of organic farming,

Amendment 71

Article 34, point (b) (v)

(v) forest-environment payments,

(v) forest-environment payments and measures to exploit
and conserve genetic diversity used for forestry purposes,

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Amendment 72

Article 35, paragraph 4

Payments shall be degressive above a threshold level of

4.
area per holding to be defined in the programme.

4.
Taking into account the relevant objectives, payments
shall be degressive above a threshold level of area per holding
to be defined in the programme.

Amendment 73

Article 36, paragraph 1

Support provided for in Article 34 (a)(iii), shall be granted
annually and per hectare of Utilised Agricultural Area to
farmers in order to compensate for costs incurred and income
foregone resulting from disadvantages in the areas concerned
related to the implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC and
92/43/EEC.

Support provided for in Article 34 (a)(iii), shall be granted
annually and per hectare of Utilised Agricultural Area to
farmers in order to compensate for costs incurred and income
foregone resulting from disadvantages in the areas concerned
related to the implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC,
92/43/EEC and 2000/60/EC.

Amendment 74

Article 36, paragraph 2

Support shall be limited to the maxima laid down in Annex I.

Support shall be limited to the maxima laid down in Annex I.
The amount of the support should be set, for the long term,
at EUR 200 per ha per annum, and an extension of the
period of validity should be possible.

Amendment 75

Article 37, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1

3.
Agri-environment and welfare payments cover only
those commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory
standards established pursuant
to Articles.4 and 5 and
Annexes III and IV of Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003
and other relevant mandatory requirements established by
legislation and identified in the programme. Addi-
national
farmers and other land managers undertaking
tionally,
agri-environment
respect minimum
requirements for fertiliser and plant protection product use
to be identified in the programme.

commitments

shall

3.
Agri-environment and welfare payments cover only
those commitments going beyond the relevant mandatory
standards established pursuant
to Articles.4 and 5 and
Annexes III and IV of Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003
and other relevant mandatory requirements established by
national legislation and identified in the programme.

Amendment 76

Article 37, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2

These commitments shall be undertaken for five years. Where
necessary and justified, a longer period shall be determined
according to the procedure referred to in Article 95(2) for
particular types of commitments.

These commitments shall be undertaken for five years, as a
rule. Where necessary and justified, a longer period of up to
seven years shall be determined for particular
types of
commitments. In special,
justified cases, a period of less
than five years shall also be possible.

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Amendment 77

Article 37, paragraph 4, subparagraph 1

4.
The payments shall be granted annually and shall cover
additional costs and income foregone resulting from the
commitment given; where necessary, they may cover also
transaction cost.

4.
The payments shall be granted annually. They shall
incorporate an incentive component of 20 % to cover addi-
tional costs and income foregone resulting from the commit-
ment given.

Amendment 78

Article 37, paragraph 4, subparagraph 2

Where appropriate, the beneficiaries are selected on the basis
of calls for tender, applying criteria of economic, environ-
mental and animal welfare efficiency.

Where appropriate, the beneficiaries are selected on the basis
of calls for tender, applying criteria of economic, environ-
mental and animal health and welfare efficiency.

Amendment 79

Article 38, point (b)

(b) on-farm investments which enhance the public amenity

(b)

value of the NATURA 2000 area concerned.

investments which enhance the public amenity value of
the NATURA 2000 area concerned and of other areas
which are important for purposes of nature conserva-
tion.

Amendment 80

Article 41, paragraph 3

Christmas trees and fast-growing species for short-term

3.
cultivation shall be excluded from support.

3.
Christmas
fast-growing species
excluded from support.

trees,

Amendment 81

Article 43, paragraph 1

invasive

and
short-term cultivation shall be

alien species,

or

for

Support provided for in Article 31 (b)(iv), shall be granted
annually and per hectare of forest to private forest owners or
associations thereof in order to compensate for costs incurred
resulting from the restrictions on the use of forests and other
wooded land related to the implementation of Directives
79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC in the area concerned.

Support provided for in Article 31(b)(iv), shall be granted
annually and as a flat-rate amount per hectare of forest to
private forest owners or associations thereof in connection
with specific projects in order
to compensate for costs
incurred and loss of income resulting from the restrictions on
the use of forests and other wooded land related to the imple-
mentation of Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC in the
area concerned.

Amendment 82

Article 44, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1

2.
The payments shall cover additional costs resulting
from the commitment given. They shall be calculated on the
basis of real costs.

The payments shall be calculated on the basis of the

2.
conventional assessment procedure.

Amendment 83

Article 46, point (b)

(b) which enhance the public amenity value of

the area

(b) which enhance or preserve the public amenity value of

concerned.

the area concerned.

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Amendment 84

Article 47, paragraph 1

1. Member States shall designate the areas eligible for
payments provided for in Article 34 (a)(i), (ii) and (iii) as well
as (b)(i), (iii), (iv) and (vi) of that Article, taking into account
the provisions of paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Article.

1. Member States shall, in accordance with their institu-
tional structures, designate the areas eligible for payments
provided for in Article 34(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) as well as (b)(i),
(iii), (iv) and (vi) of that Article, taking into account the provi-
sions of paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Article. For first
afforestation areas: where specific legislation provides for an
approval procedure, areas shall not be designated.

Amendment 85

Article 47, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1, point (a)

(a) to the existence, because of altitude, of very difficult
climatic conditions, the effect of which is substantially to
shorten the growing season;

(a) to the existence, because of altitude or northern location,
of very difficult climatic conditions, the effect of which is
substantially to shorten the growing season;

Amendment 86

Article 47, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1, point (b a) (new)

(ba) to the presence of a small or dwindling population
largely dependent on the agricultural sector and unli-
kely to remain should it contract any more rapidly,
undermining the social, economic and environmental
sustainability of the regions affected.

Amendment 87

Article 47, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1, point (b b) (new)

(bb) to their inclusion among mountain and less-favoured
areas designated for ‘phasing out’ of assistance.

Amendment 88

Article 47, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2

Areas north of the 62nd parallel and certain adjacent areas
shall be regarded as mountain areas..

Areas north of the 60th parallel and certain adjacent areas
shall be regarded as mountain areas.

Amendment 89

Article 47, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1, point (b a) (new)

(ba) characterised by the presence of a small or dwindling
population largely dependent on agriculture and unli-
kely to remain should it contract any more rapidly,
undermining the social, economic and environmental
sustainability of the regions affected,

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Amendment 90

Article 47, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1, point (b b) (new)

(bb) included among the mountain and less-favoured areas

designated for ‘phasing out’ of assistance,

Amendment 91

Article 47, paragraph 3, subparagraph 3

As concerns areas affected by specific handicaps referred to
in point (b) of the first subparagraph, their total extent
shall not exceed 10 % of the area of the Member State
concerned.

deleted

Amendment 92

Article 47, paragraph 3, subparagraph 4

The Member States shall delimitate those areas in the
programmes according to specific provisions to be defined in
accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 95(2).

the Member States shall confirm or
In the programmes,
modify the existing delimitation of those areas according to
specific provisions to be defined in accordance with the proce-
dure referred to in Article 95(2).

Amendment 93

Article 47, paragraph 5, subparagraph 1

5.
Areas apt for afforestation for environmental reasons
such as protection against erosion or extension of forest
resources contributing to climate change mitigation, shall be
eligible for payments provided for in Article 34 (b) (i) and (iii).

5.
Areas apt for afforestation for environmental reasons
and to protect against erosion shall be eligible for payments
provided for in Article 34 (b) (i) and (iii). Extension of forest
resources contributing to climate change mitigation shall
not be eligible for payments.

(i) diversification into non-agricultural activities.

(i) diversification into non-agricultural activities,

including

Amendment 94

Article 49, point (a) (i)

on-farm activities,

Amendment 95

Article 49, point (a) (i a) (new)

(ia) diversification of the income of those working in agri-
culture by promoting local processing, direct marketing
and the establishment of products with designations of
geographical origin and special quality marks,

Amendment 96

Article 49, point (a) (ii)

(ii) support for the creation and development of micro-enter-
prises with a view to promoting entrepreneurship and
developing the economic fabric,

(ii) support for the creation, business restart, takeover and
development of micro-enterprises and small enterprises
— including family enterprises — with a view to
promoting entrepreneurship and developing the economic
fabric,

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Amendment 97

Article 49, point (a) (iii)

iii) encouragement of tourism activities,

iii) encouragement of sustainable tourism activities,

Amendment 98

Article 49, point (a) (iv)

(iv) the protection, upgrading and management of

the
natural heritage, so contributing to sustainable economic
development.

(iv) the protection, upgrading and management of the rural

heritage (natural, historical or cultural).

Amendment 99

Article 49, point (a) (iv a) (new)

(iva) support for and promotion of women's activities in

rural areas.

Amendment 100

Article 49, point (b) (ii)

(ii) village renovation and development; conservation and

upgrading of the rural heritage.

(ii) village renovation and development; conservation and
upgrading of the rural heritage, landscape conservation
and nature conservation;

Amendment 101

Article 49, point (c)

(c) A vocational training measure for economic actors oper-

deleted

ating in the fields covered by priority axis 3.

Amendment 102

Article 50

The aid beneficiary referred to in Article 49(a)
(i) may be
either the farmer, his or her spouse, or one of their children.

The aid beneficiary referred to in Article 49(a)
(i) may be
either the farmer, his or her spouse, or one of their children,
as well as other persons whose income is directly dependent
on agriculture,
i.e. those employed the whole year round
either in agriculture or in sectors upstream or downstream
of it.

Amendment 103

Article 50 a (new)

Article 50a

Aid for marketing measures

The aid beneficiary referred to in Article 49(a)(i)a may be
either the farmer, his or her spouse, or one of their children.

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Amendment 104

Article 51, title

Support for business creation and development

Support for business creation, takeover and development

Amendment 105

Article 52, point (c a) (new)

(ca) the

creation

and modernisation

of

small-scale

rural-tourism infrastructure.

Amendment 106

Article 53

The support referred to in Article 49(a)(iv) covers environ-
mental awareness actions,
tourism improvements and the
drawing-up of protection and management plans relating to
NATURA 2000 sites and other places of high natural value.

The support referred to in Article 49(a)(iv) covers environ-
mental awareness actions and tourism improvements.

Amendment 107

Article 56

Vocational trainingSupport under Article 49(c), shall not
include courses of instruction or training which form part of
normal education programmes or systems at secondary or
higher levels.

deleted

Amendment 108

Article 60, point (a)

(a) area-based programmes

intended

for well-identified

sub-regional rural territories;

(a) area-based programmes intended for regional agricultural
territories including less-favoured and mountain areas
and regions designated for ‘phasing-out’ of assistance;

Amendment 109

Article 67, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1

2.
At the initiative of the Member States, for each rural
development programme, the Fund may finance preparation,
management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control
activities of programme assistance.

2.
At the initiative of the Member States, for each rural
development programme and for the National Strategic
Plan, the Fund may finance preparation, management, moni-
information and control activities of
toring, evaluation,
programme assistance.

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Amendment 110

Article 67, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2

Up to 4 % of the total amount for each programme may be
devoted to these measures.

Up to 2 % of the total amount for each programme may be
devoted to these measures.

Amendment 111

Article 67, paragraph 2, subparagraph 3

Within the limit
in the above subparagraph, each
programme shall reserve an amount for establishing and oper-
ating the national rural network referred to in Article 69.

set

set

Within the limit
in the above subparagraph, each
programme shall reserve an amount for establishing and oper-
ating the national rural network referred to in Article 69 and
for technical assistance in respect of the National Strategic
Plan.

Amendment 112

Article 68, paragraph 1

A European Network for Rural Development
the
networking of national networks, organisations and adminis-
trations active in the field of rural development at Community
level shall be put in place in accordance with Article 67(1).

for

A European Network for Rural Development
the
networking of national networks, representative economic
and social organisations and administrations active in the field
of rural development at Community level shall be put in place
without delay in accordance with Article 67(1).

for

Amendment 113

Article 69, paragraph 1

rural
Each Member State shall establish a national
1.
network, which gathers together all the organisations and
administrations involved in rural development.

Each Member State shall establish without delay a
1.
national rural network, which gathers together all the repre-
sentative economic and social organisations and administra-
tions involved in rural development.

Amendment 114

Article 70, paragraph 1

1.
The resources available for commitment from the Fund
for the period 2007 to 2013 shall be EUR 88.75 billion at
2004 prices. The annual breakdown is shown in Annex II. Of
these resources, at least EUR 31.3 billion at 2004 prices shall
be concentrated in regions eligible for the Convergence Objec-
tive.

1.
The resources available for commitment from the Fund
for the period 2007 to 2013 shall be EUR 95.75 billion at
2004 prices. This amount shall be conditional upon its
compatibility with the financial perspective for the period
commencing 2007 and shall be adjusted where appropriate.
The annual breakdown is shown in Annex II. Of
these
resources, at least EUR 31.3 billion at 2004 prices shall be
concentrated in regions eligible for the Convergence Objec-
tive.

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Amendment 115

Article 70, paragraph 2

2.3 % of the resources referred to in paragraph 1, for an
amount of EUR 2.66 billion at 2004 prices, shall be allo-
cated to the reserve provided for in Article 92.

deleted

Amendment 116

Article 70, paragraph 4 a (new)

The amounts required to pay compensation for nature
4a.
conservation measures under NATURA 2000 shall be added
to the rural development budget.

Amendment 117

Article 70, paragraph 5, subparagraph 1, introductory part

5.
The Commission shall make an initial annual indicative
breakdown by Member State of the amounts indicated in para-
graph 1, after deduction of the amounts referred to in para-
graphs 2 and 3, based on objective criteria and taking into
account:

5.
The Commission shall make an initial annual indicative
breakdown by Member State of the amounts indicated in para-
graph 1, after deduction of the amounts referred to in para-
graph 3, based on objective criteria and taking into account:

Amendment 118

Article 70, paragraph 5, subparagraph 2

The Commission shall review in 2011 the annual allocations
for the years 2012 and 2013 in order to distribute the
amount referred to in paragraph 2.

deleted

Amendment 119

Article 70, paragraph 6

6.
In addition to the amounts indicated in paragraph 5, the
Member States shall take into account for the purpose of
programming the amounts resulting from modulation as
provided for in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No…/…[fi-
nancing of the CAP].

6.
In addition to the amounts indicated in paragraph 5, the
Member States shall take into account for the purpose of
programming the amounts resulting from modulation as
provided for in Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No…/…[fi-
the CAP]. These amounts shall be used for
nancing of
projects under priority axes I and II,
from which the
payments for NATURA 2000 should be excluded.

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Amendment 120

Article 71, paragraph 1

1.
The Decision adopting a rural development programme
shall fix the maximum contribution from the Fund for each
priority heading. The decision shall clearly identify, where
necessary, the appropriations allocated to the regions eligible
for the Convergence Objective.

1.
The Decision adopting a rural development programme
shall fix the maximum contribution from the Fund for each
priority heading. The decision shall clearly identify, where
necessary, the appropriations allocated to the regions eligible
for the Convergence Objective, including the statistical and
natural effect regions.

Amendment 121

Article 71, paragraph 4

4.
Notwithstanding the ceilings set out in paragraph 3, the
Fund contribution may be increased by five percentage points
for the programmes of the outermost regions and the smaller
islands of Aegean Sea.

4.
Notwithstanding the ceilings set out in paragraph 3, the
Fund contribution shall be increased to 85 % of subsidisable
public expenditure for the programmes of
the outermost
regions and the smaller islands of the Aegean Sea.

Amendment 122

Article 71, paragraph 6, subparagraph 2

An operation may qualify for a Fund contribution only under
one rural development programme at a time. It may be
financed under only one priority axis of the rural develop-
ment programme.

An operation may qualify for a Fund contribution only under
one rural development programme at a time.

Amendment 123

Article 72, paragraph 3, subparagraph 2, point (c)

(c) the purchase of land costing more than 10 % of all the

eligible expenditure on the operation concerned.

(c) the purchase of land costing more than 10 % of all the
eligible expenditure on the operation unless a higher
percentage is set in the programme approved by the
Commission.

Amendment 124

Article 76, introductory part and point (a)

For each rural development programme the Member State
shall designate :

For each rural development programme the Member State
shall, in accordance with its institutional structure, desig-
nate:
(a)

the managing authority, being a public or private national,
regional or local body designated by the Member State, or the
Member State itself when it carries out that task, to manage a
programme;

(a) the managing authority, being a public or private
national, regional or local body designated by the Member
State in accordance with its institutional structure, or
the Member State itself when it carries out that task, to
manage a programme;

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Amendment 125

Article 77, paragraph 1, point (a)

(a) ensuring that operations are selected for

funding in
accordance with the criteria applicable to the rural devel-
opment programme and that they comply, for the whole
period of their execution, with applicable Community and
national rules and Community policies;

(a) ensuring that operations are selected for

funding in
accordance with the criteria applicable to the rural devel-
opment programme and that they comply, for the whole
period of their execution, with applicable Community and
national rules and Community policies. These Community
and national rules should be applicable without delay,
should not be over-stringent and should allow a degree
of flexibility which does not contravene the general
guidelines for this Community policy;

Amendment 126

Article 92: Community reserve for the LEADER priority axis

1.
The amount allocated to the reserve referred to in
Article 70(2) shall be used to support implementation of the
LEADER approach in programmes.

deleted

Implementation of the LEADER approach shall be

2.
evaluated on the basis of objective criteria including:

(a) the priority given to the LEADER approach,

(b) the territorial coverage of the LEADER approach,

(c) the stage reached in implementing the LEADER priority

axis,

(d) the leverage effect on private capital,

(e) the results of mid-term evaluations.

Amendment 127

Article 95, paragraph 1

The Commission shall be assisted by a Rural Develop-

1.
ment Committee (hereinafter: the ‘Committee’).

1.
The Commission shall be assisted by a Rural Develop-
ment and Forestry Committee (hereinafter: the ‘Committee’).

2.
Council Directives and Decisions laying down and
amending the lists of less-favoured areas referred to in
Article 21(2) of Regulation (EC) No 950/97 are repealed.

deleted

Amendment 128

Article 98, paragraph 2

Amendment 129

Annex I, Article 35, paragraph 3, rows 2 and 3

Maximum natural handicap payment
250 Per hectare of UAA
Maximum handicap payment for mountain areas and for
areas with other handicaps
150 Per hectare of UAA

Maximum payment for areas with other handicaps
250 Per hectare of UAA