Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

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# 92000E3195

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-3195/00 by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Research into alternative uses of tobacco.** 
  
*Official Journal 151 E , 22/05/2001 P. 0091 - 0092*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3195/00

by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 October 2000)

Subject: Research into alternative uses of tobacco

Can the Commission state whether the European Union is undertaking research into alternative uses for tobacco? Is it aware that research in India has led to the manufacture of Solanesol, a high value alcohol from tobacco and also resulted in the production of nicotine sulphate, which may turn out to be an environmentally friendly insecticide?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(8 December 2000)

The Community tobacco fund, under its new application Regulation (CE) No 1648/2000 of 25 July 2000 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92 with regard to the Community tobacco fund and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 2427/93(1) can finance research projects, including the dissemination of the results to national authorities and the sectors concerned, regarding the creation and development of alternative uses for raw tobacco in accordance with Article 1(1)(b) of the above-mentioned regulation (e.g. more environmentally-friendly cultivation methods). No project has been funded yet on this subject which has been introduced with the new implementation regulation.

As for research and technological development in the context of the Fifth framework programme (1998-2002)(2), the research key action Sustainable agriculture forestry fisheries and agro-industry within the specific programme Quality of Life, provides for the funding of research projects on alternative uses of industrial crops, including tobacco crops. The calls for research proposals published by the Commission did not however so far result in the submission of research projects of the required high standard of scientific excellence.

The Commission is aware of the non-food product developments in India.

(1) OJ L 189, 27.7.2000.

(2) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999.

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