Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products
Date: 2007-12-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Italy, State aid, agricultural holding, control of State aid, small and medium-sized enterprises

C 294/12

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

6.12.2007

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission
Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State
aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products

(2007/C 294/08)

2. the improvement of immovable property;

Aid No: XA 93/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Apicoltura

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State
aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation
(EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional
Decision setting out the programme as described below will be
issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional
development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual
EUR 100 000.

expenditure

planned

under

the

scheme:

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

1. of the costs of market research activities, product conception
and design,
including aid granted for the preparation of
applications for the recognition of geographical indications
and designations of origin or certificates of specific character
in accordance with the relevant Community regulations;

2. of the cost of introducing quality assurance schemes such as
the ISO 9000 or 14000 series, HACCP systems, traceability
systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compliance with
marketing standards or environmental audit systems;

3. of the costs of training personnel to apply the standards set

out in the previous point;

4. of the charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the
initial certification of quality assurance or similar systems;

5. of

the costs of compulsory control measures undertaken
pursuant to Community or national
legislation by or on
behalf of the competent authorities, unless Community legis-
lation requires enterprises to bear such costs;

6. of eligible costs of technical support services.

Up to 50 % of eligible investments (60 % of eligible investments
in the case of investments made by young farmers within five
years of setting up) for the following:

3. general costs linked to the expenditure under points 1 and 2
feasibility studies, purchase of

fees,

such as professional
patents or licenses.

Date of
implementation: From the date on which the
Basilicata RDP for 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

Duration of
31 December 2013.

scheme or

individual

aid award: Until

In Basilicata,

the bee-keeping sector

Objective of aid:
is
becoming increasingly important due to the region's natural
features and the sector's structural characteristics. In general, the
regional objective is to promote the qualitative and quantitative
the bee-keeping sector while respecting the
development of
environment and the health of consumers.

The purpose of this State aid is:

— to train and update bee-keepers,

— to certify honey as well as to produce and certify organic

honey,

— to purchase machinery and equipment for honey produc-

tion,

— to structurally adjust honey extraction rooms,

— to provide technical support

for the following: business
management, auxiliary services, services for the dissemina-
tion of new techniques through demonstration projects, the
organisation of competitions, exhibitions and trade fairs,

— to improve the conditions under which pastureland is used.

Eligible costs:

1. market research activities, product conception and design,
including aid granted for the preparation of applications for
recognition of designations of origin or certificates of specific
character in accordance with the relevant Community regula-
tions;

1. the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment,
including computer software up to the market value of the
asset;

2. the cost of introducing quality assurance schemes such as the
ISO 9000 or 14000 series, HACCP systems,
traceability
systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compliance with
marketing standards or environmental audit systems;

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/13

3. the cost of training personnel to apply the standards set out

Name and address of the granting authority:

in the previous point;

4. charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the initial

certification of quality assurance or similar systems;

5. the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment,
including computer software up to the market value of the
asset;

6.

land investments aimed at
reducing production costs,
improving productivity conditions and product quality,
protecting and improving the livestock's natural environ-
ment, hygienic conditions or welfare;

7. general costs linked to the expenditure under points 5 and 6
feasibility studies, purchase of

fees,

such as professional
patents or licenses.

8. costs for

the following activities: general education and
training of bee-keepers and their workers (expenses related to
the organisation of training programmes; travel and subsis-
tence expenses of participants; cost of the provision of repla-
cement services during the absence of the farmer or the
farm worker); farm replacement services (the actual costs of
the replacement of a farmer, the farmer's partner, or a farm
worker, during illness and holidays); consultancy services
provided by third parties (fees for services which do not
constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor relate to the
enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax
consultancy services, regular legal services, or advertising);
the organisation of and participation in forums to share
knowledge between businesses, in competitions, exhibitions
and fairs (participation fees, travel costs, costs of publica-
tions, the rent of exhibition stands, symbolic prizes awarded
in the framework of competitions, up to a value of EUR 250
per prize and per winner); publications such as catalogues or
websites presenting factual
information about producers
from a given region or producers of a given product,
provided that
this information and the presentation are
neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the
same opportunity to feature in the publications.

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website:

Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagri-
coltura/

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes
the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC)
to meet all
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European
Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 94/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Relevant Articles:

Title of the aid scheme: Associazioni di Produttori

Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Article 14:
cultural products’.

‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agri-

Article 15:
sector’.

‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Region of Basilicata to continue providing its own regional State
aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation (EC)
No 1698/2005, with a view to ensuring supplementary finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
the
scheme forms part of
Regional Decision setting out
the programme as described
below will be issued following the decision to adopt the regional
development plan for Basilicata for the period 2007-2013.

that programme. Accordingly,

Sector(s) concerned: Animal production — Bees.

Annual
EUR 800 000.

expenditure

planned

under

the

scheme:

C 294/14

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

6.12.2007

Maximum aid intensity: The total amount of aid that can be
granted to a producer organisation or association of producer
organisations
exceed
aid
EUR 200 000.

scheme

cannot

under

this

Date of implementation: Starts on the date the regional devel-
opment plan for Basilicata for
the period 2007-2013 is
adopted.

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

Objective of the aid: The fact that the supply of agricultural
products is fragmented and no quality improvements to it have
been made is one of
the main obstacles to growth in the
primary sector in Basilicata. The Region intends to use this aid
to help establish producer organisations and associations of
producer organisations that can provide their members with the
support and services needed to develop the primary sector. The
purpose of the aid is to establish producer associations with a
view to aligning their production to market needs, in particular
by concentrating supply.

Eligible expenditure includes:

1. the cost of renting suitable premises (where premises are
purchased, eligible expenses are limited to the cost of rent at
market value);

2. the purchase of office equipment, including computer hard-

ware and software;

3. administrative costs to cover staff, general costs and adminis-

trative and legal expenses.

Reference Articles:

Article 9: ‘Aid to producer organisations’.

Sector(s) concerned: Producer organisations and associations
of producer organisations active in the production of agri-
cultural products and/or associations of producer organisations
responsible for monitoring the use of geographical indications
and designations of origin or quality labels in line with EU legis-
lation.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website:

Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

to meet all
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC)

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European
Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to continue to provide this aid in the 2007-2013 programming
period.

Aid No: XA 95/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an indi-
vidual aid award: Sapori Lucani

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Region of Basilicata to continue providing separate regional
State aid in addition to the aid part-financed under Regulation
(EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional
Decision setting out the programme as described below will be
issued following the decision to adopt the Basilicata regional
development plan for 2007-2013.

Annual
EUR 100 000.

expenditure

planned

under

the

scheme:

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of eligible costs for:

1. publications, such as catalogues or web sites, containing
information on producers in the Region of Basilicata or
certain regional products, provided that this information and
the presentation are neutral and all producers concerned are
afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publications.

This aid scheme also provides for a premium for restaurateurs
in Basilicata that will be granted under Regulation (EC)
No 1998/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the
Treaty to de minimis aid.

Date of
implementation: Starts on the date the Basilicata
regional development plan for 2007-2013 was received in
admissible form.

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes

Duration of the scheme: Ends 31 December 2013.

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/15

Objective of the aid: The objective of this aid scheme is to add
value to products and wine and culinary traditions
from
Basilicata marketed in Italy and worldwide. To reach this objec-
tive, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is
supporting the compilation of a catalogue of all food products
typical of Basilicata to promote them worldwide.

Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

The aim of the catalogue is to promote regional production
worldwide. The catalogue will present all products
from
Basilicata as a basket of goods,
indicating the origin of each
product. The catalogue will be distributed at fairs, exhibitions
and competitive events such as the ‘Sapori Lucani’ prize, where
the Region of Basilicata will have its own stand. The catalogue is
produced as an accessory to such fairs and exhibitions and will
be used only in these environments. Inclusion in the catalogue
is open to all agricultural producers and will not contain any
incitement to purchase the products.

Aid No: XA 96/07

Member State: Italy

Eligible expenditure includes:

Region: Basilicata

Costs for:

Title of aid scheme: Meccanizzazione

1. publications, such as catalogues or web sites, containing
information on producers in the Region of Basilicata or
certain regional products, provided that such information
and the presentation are neutral and all producers concerned
are afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publica-
tions.

Reference Articles:

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State
aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation
(EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional
Decision setting out the programme as described below will be
issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional
development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Article 15:
sector’.

‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural

Annual
EUR 120 000.

expenditure

planned

under

the

scheme:

Sector(s) concerned: All sectors of agriculture

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website:

Web address: http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagricoltura/

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 50 % of eligible investments
(60 % of eligible investments in the case of investments made
by young farmers within five years of setting up)
for the
following:

1. the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment,
including computer hardware and software up to the market
value of the asset;

2. the construction, acquisition and improvement of immovable

property;

3. general costs linked to the expenditure under the previous
points such as professional fees, feasibility studies, purchase
of patents or licenses.

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes
to meet all
laid down in Regulation (EC)
the conditions
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European

Note: Aid may be granted for purchasing land other than for
construction purposes costing up to 10 % of the eligible
expenses of the investment

The overall aid amount granted to an individual business may
not exceed EUR 100 000 paid over any period of three financial
years.

C 294/16

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

6.12.2007

Date of
Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

implementation: From the date on which the

Duration of scheme: Up to 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: The aid is aimed at improving the efficacy
and efficiency of regional agricultural holdings to make them
modern and competitive on the market. The objective of the aid
is:

Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

— to reduce production costs and times,

— to improve production quality.

The specific objective of the aid is to promote the technological
development of the region's agricultural activities by financing
the purchase of machinery, equipment and computer programs.

Aid No: XA 97/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Eligible costs:

Title of aid scheme: Ricomposizione fondiaria

1. the purchase or lease-purchase of machinery and equipment,
including computer hardware and software up to the market
value of the asset;

2. the construction, acquisition and improvement of immovable

property;

3. general costs linked to the expenditure under the previous
points such as professional fees, feasibility studies, purchase
of patents or licenses.

Relevant Articles:

Article 4: ‘Investments in agricultural holdings’.

Sector(s) concerned: All.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State
aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation
(EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional
Decision setting out the programme as described below will be
issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional
development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 30 000.

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 % of the expenses actually
borne in respect of legal and administrative costs linked with
the transaction, including the conduct of searches.

Date of
Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

implementation: From the date on which the

Duration of scheme: Until 31 December 2013.

Objective of aid: With this aid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to promote the establishment of more efficient business bases
both in technical and economic terms, while revitalising rural
areas by favouring generational replacement and helping young
people to enter the agricultural sector.

Website:

Eligible costs:

Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagri-
coltura/

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes
to meet all
laid down in Regulation (EC)
the conditions
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

1.

legal and administrative costs,
searches.

including the conduct of

Relevant Articles

Article 13: ‘Aid for land reparcelling’.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European

Sector(s) concerned: The entire agricultural sector.

6.12.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 294/17

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website:

Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagri-
coltura/

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes
to meet all
laid down in Regulation (EC)
the conditions
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European
Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of
the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.

Aid No: XA 98/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Basilicata

Title of aid scheme: Zootecnia

1. of the costs of market research activities, product concep-
tion and design, including aid granted for the preparation
of applications for recognition of designations of origin or
certificates of specific character in accordance with the rele-
vant Community regulations;

2. of the costs of introducing quality assurance schemes such
as the ISO 9000 or 14000 standards, HACCP systems,
traceability systems, systems to ensure authenticity and
compliance with marketing standards or environmental
audit systems;

3. of the costs of training personnel to apply the standards set

out in the previous point;

4. of the charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the
initial certification of quality assurance and similar systems;

5. of eligible costs of technical support services;

6. of the administrative costs of the establishment and mainte-

nance of herd books;

7. of the costs incurred in removing fallen stock (75 % of the
cost incurred in destroying such carcasses); alternatively, aid
up to an equivalent amount towards the costs of premiums
paid by farmers for insurance to cover the costs of removal
and destruction of fallen stock;

8. of the costs incurred in removing and destroying carcasses
where the aid is financed through fees or through compul-
sory contributions to finance the destruction of such
carcasses, provided that such fees or contributions are
limited to and directly imposed on the meat sector;

9. of the costs incurred in removing and destroying fallen
stock where there is an obligation to perform TSE tests on
the fallen stock concerned;

10. of the costs of TSE tests.

Up to 70 %:

Legal basis: The rural development programme enables the
Basilicata region to continue providing separate regional State
aid that is additional to the aid part financed under Regulation
(EC) No 1698/2005, with a view to supplying additional finan-
cing under the terms of Article 89 of that Regulation. This
scheme is part of that programme. Accordingly, the Regional
Decision setting out the programme as described below will be
issued following the decision deeming the Basilicata regional
development plan for 2007-2013 to be admissible.

1. of the costs of tests performed by or on behalf of third
parties, to determine the genetic quality or yield of livestock,
with the exception of controls undertaken by the owner of
the livestock and routine controls of milk quality.

Up to 40 % (until 31 December 2011) for the introduction at
farm level of innovative animal breeding techniques or practices,
with the exception of costs relating to the introduction or
performance of artificial insemination.

Annual
EUR 4,3 million.

expenditure

planned

under

the

scheme:

Date of
Basilicata RDP 2007-2013 was received in admissible form.

implementation: From the date on which the

Maximum aid intensity: Up to 100 %:

Duration of
31 December 2013.

scheme or

individual

aid award: Until

C 294/18

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

6.12.2007

Objective of aid: With this aid the Region of Basilicata intends
to improve the efficiency and professionalism of the regional
livestock sector, so helping to increase its long-term viability.
The Region grants financial assistance on submission of special
livestock programmes including activities for the protection and
the qualitative and quantitative development of the sector and,
at the same time, for the genetic improvement of the region's
livestock, food safety, the introduction of certified methods and
detection and identification systems ensuring race traceability
and preservation, whilst combating livestock theft.

Eligible costs:

1. market research activities, product conception and design,
including aid granted for the preparation of applications for
recognition of designations of origin or certificates of
specific character in accordance with the relevant Com-
munity regulations;

2. the costs of introducing quality assurance schemes such as
the ISO 9000 or 14000 standards, HACCP systems, trace-
ability systems, systems to ensure authenticity and compli-
ance with marketing standards or environmental audit
systems;

3. the costs of training personnel to apply the standards set

out in the previous point;

4. the charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the
initial certification of quality assurance and similar systems;

training programmes;

5. the costs for the following activities: general education and
training of farmers and their collaborators (expenses related
to the organisation of
travel and
subsistence expenses of participants; cost of the provision
of replacement services during the absence of the farmer or
the farm worker);
farm replacement services (the actual
costs of the replacement of a farmer, the farmer's partner,
or a farm worker, during illness and holidays); consultancy
services provided by third parties (fees for services which
do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor
relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such
as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services, or
advertising); the organisation of and participation in forums
in competitions,
to share knowledge between businesses,
exhibitions and fairs (participation fees, travel costs, costs of
publications, the rent of exhibition stands, symbolic prizes
awarded in the framework of competitions up to a value of
EUR 250 per prize and per winner); publications such as
catalogues or websites presenting factual information about
producers from a given region or producers of a given
product, provided thisinformation and the presentation are

neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the
same opportunity to feature in the publications;

6. the administrative costs of the establishment and mainte-

nance of herd books;

7. costs incurred in removing fallen stock;

8. the costs incurred in removing and destroying carcasses;

9. the costs incurred in removing and destroying fallen stock,
where there is an obligation to perform TSE tests on the
fallen stock concerned;

10. the costs of TSE tests.

Relevant Articles:

Article 14:
cultural products’,

‘Aid to encourage the production of quality agri-

Article 15:
sector’,

‘Provision of technical support in the agricultural

Article 16: ‘Support for the livestock sector’.

Sector(s) concerned: Livestock sector.

Name and address of the granting authority:

Regione Basilicata — Dipartimento Agricoltura
Sviluppo Rurale
Economia Montana
Viale della Regione Basilicata, 12
I-85100 Potenza
Tel.: (39) 971 66 87 35
Fax: (39) 971 450 74

Website:

Internet address (URL): http://www.regione.basilicata.it/dipagri-
coltura/

Other
expressly
information: Although it may not be
mentioned in this summary, the Region of Basilicata undertakes
to meet all
the conditions laid down in Regulation (EC)
No 1857/2006 when applying the aid scheme.

The aid scheme in question was introduced by Regional Law
No 36 of 2001 (Aid No 588/01 approved by the European
Commission by Decision of 17 July 2002), and no longer in
force (Article 2(1) of the Law under the heading ‘Duration’
provides that: ‘1. The aid scheme pursuant to this Law runs for
the same duration as the regional operational programme
approved on 22 August 2000’. Since the needs which gave rise
to the aid scheme remain valid, the Region of Basilicata intends
to extend this aid to the 2007-2013 programming period.