CELEX: 51990PC0161
Language: en
Date: 1990-05-28
Title: PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL DECISION ADOPTING A SPECIFIC RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRO-INDUSTRY ( 1990-1994 )

No C 174/60                         Official Journal of the European Communities                                  16. 7. 90
                      Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research and
                   technological development in the field of agriculture and agroindustry (1990 to 1994)
                                               COM(90) 161 final — SYN 266
                                      (Submitted by the Commission on 3 May 1990)
                                                        (90/C 174/09)
  THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,                        which amount is to be allocated to the centralized
                                                                  activities, in order to comply with the second sentence
  Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European           of Article 130p (2) of the Treaty;
  Economic Community, and in particular Article 130q
  (2) thereof,
                                                                  Whereas this programme must be implemented by the
                                                                  Commission; whereas, to help accomplish this, the
 Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,               Member States are bound, pursuant to Article 5 of the
                                                                  Treaty, to facilitate the achievement of its tasks, where
                                                                  necessary, notably within a committee;
 In cooperation with the European Parliament,
                                                                  Whereas this programme must be implemented essen-
 Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and                 tially by the selection of research and development
 Social Committee,                                                projects to enable them to benefit from Community
                                                                  participation; whereas the Commission should encour-
 Whereas, by Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC(1), the                 age the submission of such projects by the usual means
 Council adopted a third framework programme for                  of publishing calls for proposals in the Official Journal
 Community activities in the field of research and tech-          of the European Communities; whereas a special pro-
 nological development (1990 to 1994), specifying inter           cedure should also be devised so as to maintain a degree
 alia the activities to be pursued for contributing to the       of flexibility enabling the Commission, in the face of
 development of the European potential for understand-           the continuous evolution and gradual acceleration of
 ing and exploiting the properties and structures of living      technological progress, also to take into consideration
 matter; whereas this Decision should be taken in the             spontaneous proposals consistent with the objectives of
 light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that            the programme;
 Decision;
                                                                 Whereas the projects to be carried out under the pro-
                                                                 gramme must be selected with special attention to the
 Whereas Article 130k of the Treaty stipulates that the
                                                                 principle of economic and social cohesion in the Com-
 framework programme is to be implemented through
                                                                 munity, the transnational nature of the projects and
 specific programmes developed within each activity;
                                                                 the support to be given to small and medium-sized
                                                                 enterprises;
Whereas an estimate should be made of the amount of
Community financial resources needed to carry out this          Whereas it is only in the light of experience gathered
specific programme; whereas the definitive amounts               in the course of this programme that the Commission
will be fixed by the budgetary authority in line with           will be able to propose and the Council to adopt sup-
the financial perspectives covering the period 1988 to          plementary programmes by having recourse to the
 1992 included in the Interinstitutional Agreement of           means provided for in Articles 1301, 130m or 130o of
29 June 1988 (2) and with any future financial perspec-         the Treaty, if they contribute to the achievement of the
tives covering the period 1993 to 1994;                         programme's objectives, in accordance with the option
                                                                made available by Article 2 (2) of Decision 90/221/
Whereas, pursuant to Article 4 of and Annex I to                Euratom, EEC;
Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC, the amount deemed
necessary for the whole framework programme includes            Whereas, in accordance with Article 130g of the Treaty,
an amount of ECU 57 million for the centralized dis-            the Community's activities aimed at strengthening the
semination and exploitation of results, to be divided up        scientific and technological basis of European industry
in proportion to the amount envisaged for each activity;        and encouraging it to become more competitive include
whereas in view of the importance of this specific              promoting cooperation on research and technological
programme within the 'Life sciences and technologies'           development with third countries and international
action the estimate of the financial resources needed by        organizations; whereas such cooperation may prove
this programme is to be reduced by ECU 3 330 000,               particularly beneficial for the development of this pro-
                                                                gramme;
(») OJNoL117, 8. 5. 1990, p. 28.                                Whereas it is necessary, as Annex II to Decision
(2) OJ No L 185, 15. 7. 1988, p. 33.                            90/221/Euratom, EEC provides, to contribute to secur-
 ---pagebreak---   16. 7. 90                          Official Journal of the European Communities                           No C 174/61
  ing a better match between production of land and              3. The reports shall be drawn up having regard to the
  water-based biological resources and their use by con-         objectives set out in Annex I to this Decision and
  sumers and industry;                                           in accordance with Article 2 (4) of Decision 90/221/
                                                                 Euratom, EEC.
  Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Com-
  mittee (Crest) has been consulted,
                                                                                        Article 6
  HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:                                     1. The Commission shall be responsible for the
                                                                 execution of the programme. It shall be assisted by a
                                                                 committee, hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee',
                          Article 1                              composed of representatives of the Member States and
                                                                 chaired by a representative of the Commission.
  A specific research and technological development pro-
  gramme for the European Economic Community in the
  field of agriculture and agro-industry, as defined in
                                                                2. The contracts concluded by the Commission shall
  Annex I, is hereby adopted for a period of five years
                                                                govern the rights and obligations of each party, includ-
  as from 1 January 1990.
                                                                ing the procedures for disseminating, protecting and
                                                                exploiting the research results, in accordance with the
                                                                arrangements adopted pursuant to the second para-
                          Article 2                             graph of Article 130k of the Treaty.
  1. The Community funds estimated as necessary for
 the execution of the programme under this Decision             3. A work programme for each year shall be drawn
 amount to ECU 333 million. Of this amount ECU                  up and updated where necessary. It shall set out the
 3 330 000 is drawn for the centralized dissemination           detailed objectives and types of projects to be under-
 and exploitation of results. The amount thus reduced           taken, and the financial arrangements to be made for
 to ECU 329 670 000 includes staff costs which may not          them. The Commission shall make calls for proposals
 exceed 3 %. An indicative breakdown of expenditure is          for projects on the basis of the annual work pro-
 set out in Annex II.                                          grammes.
 2. Should the Council take a decision in implemen-
 tation of Article 1 (4) of Decision 90/221/Euratom,
 EEC, this decision shall be adapted to take account of                                 Article 7
 the abovementioned Decision.
                                                                1. In the cases envisaged in Article 8 (1), the Com-
 3. The budgetary authority shall decide on the appro-
                                                               mission representative shall submit to the Committee a
 priations available for each financial year.
                                                               draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall
                                                               deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit
                                                               which the chairman may set according to the urgency of
                         Article 3                             the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by qualified
                                                               majority as provided for in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty
 Rules for the implementation of the programme are set         in the case of decisions which the Council is required
 out in Annex III.                                            to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The
                                                              votes of the Member States' representatives within the
                                                              Committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in
                                                              that Article. The chairman shall not vote.
                         Article 4
 The rate of the Community financial contribution shall       2. The Commission shall adopt the measures envis-
 be laid down in accordance with Annex IV to Decision         aged where they are in accordance with the Commit-
90/221/Euratom, EEC.                                          tee's opinion.
                         Article 5                            3. If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with
                                                              the Committee's opinion, or if no opinion is delivered,
1. During 1992 the Commission shall review the pro-           the Commission shall forthwith submit to the Council
gramme and address a report on the results of the             a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The
review to the Council and the European Parliament,            Council shall act by a qualified majority.
together with proposals for any necessary changes.
2. At the end of the programme the Commission shall           4. If the Council has not acted within one month of
assess the results obtained. It shall address a report        submission of the proposal, the proposed measures
thereon to the Council and the European Parliament.           shall be adopted by the Commission.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 174/62                             Official Journal of the European Communities                                        16. 7. 90
                            Article 8                                      — accompanying measures, referred to in point 2 of
                                                                               Annex III,
1. The procedure laid down in Article 7 shall apply
to:                                                                       — concerted actions, referred to in point 2 of Annex III.
— the preparation and updating of the work pro-
    grammes referred to in Article 6 (3),                                                              Article 9
— evaluation of the projects referred to in point 2 of                    In implementing this programme, supplementary pro-
    Annex III, as well as the estimated amount of the                     grammes within the meaning of Article 1301, partici-
    Community's financial contribution when these                         pation within the meaning of Article 130m and joint
    projects are submitted through the ordinary                           undertakings or any other structures within the mean-
    procedure referred to in point 4 of Annex III                         ing of Article 130o of the Treaty may also be decided
    and the abovementioned amount is more than                            on as the need arises.
    ECU 5 million,
— evaluation of all projects submitted through the                                                    Article 10
    exceptional procedure referred to in point 4 of
    Annex III, as well as the estimated amount of the
    Community's financial contribution,                                   Where cooperation with third countries and inter-
                                                                          national organizations aiming at achieving the objec-
— measures for evaluating the programme.                                  tives of this programme requires legal undertakings
                                                                          between the Community and the third parties con-
2. The Commission may consult the Committee on                            cerned, the Commission shall be authorized to nego-
any matter falling within the scope of the programme.                     tiate, in accordance with Article 130n of the Treaty,
                                                                          international agreements laying down the terms of such
                                                                          cooperation.
3. The Commission shall inform the Committee with
regard to:                                                                Decisions on the conclusion of such agreements shall
— the progress of the programme,                                          be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred
                                                                         to in Article 130q (2) of the Treaty.
— planned calls for proposals, referred to in Article 6 (3),
— projects, referred to in point 2 of Annex III, submit-
    ted through the ordinary procedure, for which the                                                Article 11
    Community contribution is less than ECU 5 million,
    and the results of their evaluation,                                 This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
                                                               ANNEX      I
                                        Scientific and technical objectives and content
           The specific programme fully reflects the approach embodied in the third Framework Programme in terms
           of the scientific and technical goals and underlying aims which it pursues.
           Paragraph 4B of Annex II to the Framework Programme forms an integral part of the present specific
           programme.
           Different parts of the agricultural and agroindustrial sector will be brought together in large integrated
           projects. These projects will also help to link the results of the different areas within the programme.
           In all cases environmental benefits will be aimed at; all appropriate measures will be taken in order to prevent
           negative effects on the environment.
           Pre-normative research will be initiated and supported in order to provide a sound scientific basis for the
           setting of standards and regulations concerning the production and use of biological resources, in particular
           in relation to food.
           The following presents an analytical description of the content of the programme, based on and taking
           account of the above elements.
 ---pagebreak--- 16. 7. 90                              Official Journal of the European Communities                                         No C 174/63
          Area 1: Primary production in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing
          The work under this heading aims at adapting primary production to market conditions. R&D will contribute
          to the efficiency and competitiveness of agriculture, forestry and fisheries and to a better agricultural and
          forestry management helping rural development while ensuring proper protection of the environment.
          The scientific and technical basis will be provided for correcting imbalances and for diversification in
          agriculture, forestry and fisheries towards traditional and new products, for both food and non-food use,
          where the market prospects are favourable. Examples for research topics are: fibre and oil crops, high added
          value products, specialized regional products, products from organic farming, complementary farmbased
          activities, energy crop production, novel exploitable species for aquaculture, and improved exploitation of
          fisheries resources.
          Work will be carried out, for example, on more environmentally friendly production systems, improved
          product quality in crops, trees, livestock and fish; better crop and stock management (including fish-stocks)
          and extensive land use systems. Methods will be established for fish stock assessment and better techniques
          developed for reared fish and shellfish species.
          Contributions will be made to the improvement of the socioeconomic conditions in areas lagging behind in
          development and to remedies for desertification, deforestation, and over-fishing. Examples include: R&D on
          erosion control, integrated systems for marginal land, ways and means for forest establishment under difficult
          conditions and artificial reefs for increased fishery productivity.
          Area 2: Inputs to agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing
          The work under this heading will contribute to the competitiveness and viability of undertakings in agriculture,
          forestry, aquaculture and fishing through reduced inputs and production costs. It will also contribute to the
          protection of the environment.
          Environmentally friendly inputs to crop production, stock farming, forestry and fisheries will be developed.
          Examples are: genetically improved strains of plants, animals and fish (pest resistance, yield, quality); nutrients
          (feed and fertilizers); pest and disease control systems (integrated pest management, vaccines, biological pest
          control); equipment (machinery, tools, fishing machines, aquaculture systems); monitoring and control
          systems (hardware and software).
          Area 3: Processing of biological raw materials from agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing
          The aim is to provide the process basis for new or improved, competitive products in the food, non-food
          and energy sectors. This will be done by developing new, more efficient and environmentally friendly
          industrial and energy applications for biological materials.
          New and efficient separation, extraction and conversion processes, for currently available, improved or new
          biological raw materials (including by-products from traditional industrial processes) will be developed.
          Examples are: non-solvent extraction, the application of biocatalysts in separation and processing, aseptic
          packaging, process control and automation, recovery of edible proteins and other components from fish and
          shellfish.
          Emphasis will be put on innovative, efficient processes which improve safety and maintain or increase the
          nutritional value of processed food, increase the utilization of by-products and reduce waste from industries
          e.g. by conversion to energy.
          Area 4: End-use and products
          The objective is to generate a better knowledge of the characteristics required in final products (food and
          non-food, including energy) based on biological materials. Particular emphasis will be put on consumers'
          needs. The needs of industry, however, will be taken into due account when identifying priorities.
          In relation to food, work will concentrate on the definition and satisfaction of nutritional needs of consumers
          and on toxicology and food hygiene. Other examples are: handling and storage protocols, diet-health
          interaction, consumer demands and habits, 'natural' food additives and methods of quality control.
 ---pagebreak--- No C 174/64                           Official Journal of the European Communities                                         16. 7. 90
          In this area, pre-normative research will play an important part as it will provide the scientific basis tor the
          definition and measurement of food (raw and processed) characteristics, especially for aspects of food quality
          and nutritional value.
          In the non-food area, emphasis will be put on the identification of the characteristics required for new, more
          environmentally friendly types of products. Examples are: biodegradable materials, new composite products;
          bio-based chemicals (detergents, lubricants) and pharmaceuticals; biocompatible polymers for e.g. medical
          applications; slow release agents for medicines, seed, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.
                                                            ANNEX II
                            Indicative breakdown of expenditures for the period 1990 to 1994
                                                                                                                       (%)
          Area 1: Primary production in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing                              25-30
           Area 2: Inputs to agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and fishing                                         20-25
           Area 3: Processing of biological raw materials from agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and
                                                                                                                     10 15
                    fishing                                                                                             "
           Area 4: End-use and products                                                                              15-20
          The breakdown between different areas does not exclude the possibility that projects could cover several
           areas.
                                                            ANNEX ///
                                           Rules for implementing the programme
                              and activities for dissemination and exploitation of the results
           1. The Commission shall implement the programme on the basis of the scientific and technical content
              described in Annex I.
          2. The rules for implementing the programme, referred to in Article 3, comprise research and technological
              development projects, accompanying measures and concerted actions.
              The projects shall be the subject of shared-cost research and technological development contracts.
              The accompanying measures consist of applying the means to ensure proper technical execution, manage-
              ment and evaluation of the programme, as well as adequate dissemination and accessibility of the results,
              and coordination, training and consciousness-raising of the participants in the programme.
              The concerted actions are those defined in the Financial Regulation.
          3. The participants in the projects must be natural or legal persons established in the Community, such as
              universities, research organizations and industrial firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises,
              or associations thereof, in particular European economic interest groupings (EEIGs).
              Natural or legal persons established in countries which have concluded agreements with the Community
              foreseeing scientific and technical research, may, based on the criterion of mutual advantage, take part
              in the projects undertaken in the context of this programme. The contracting parties under such
              arrangements shall not benefit from Community funding. They shall contribute to the general administrat-
              ive costs.
 ---pagebreak---  16. 7. 90                               Official Journal of the European Communities                                     No C 174/65
             4. The choice of projects shall be carried out according to the following order of priority, the first method
                being the rule, the second the exception.
                The participants in the projects shall be selected on the basis of the ordinary procedure of calls for
                proposals referred to in Article 6 (3) and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
                The Commission may also accept proposals according to an exceptional procedure and under the
                conditions mentioned below, when they make a particularly promising and significant contribution as
                regards the originality of the theme proposed, the novelty of the scientific and technical approach and
                the methodology of execution, also taking into account the particular nature of the proposers.
                A favourable technical evaluation of such proposals shall not by itself be a sufficient justification for
                accepting a project; this exceptional procedure may only apply after verification that the nature of the
                project, as defined above, does not justify the use of the normal procedure for calls for proposals.
                The exceptional procedure must be completed before the ordinary procedure in such a way that the
                available amount for the Community's financial participation in projects retained by the ordinary
                procedure can be determined precisely. The closing date for the exceptional procedure shall be published
                each year in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
                The amount of the financial participation of the Community for all the projects retained by the exceptional
                procedure will be decided each year, in relation to the projects selected according to particularly strict
                criteria of excellence. In any case, this amount may not exceed 15%; it may be revised each year in the
                light of experience.
                The Commission shall draw up a vade mecum setting out all the rules applicable to this exceptional
                procedure in order to guarantee full transparency.
             5. The projects must involve at least two mutually independent partners established in different Member
                States.
             6. The Commission may encourage the participants to form a European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG)
                or make other arrangements for carrying out projects, such as those on a large scale, permitting
                decentralized management adapted to the specific requirements of the project.
             7. The knowledge acquired during the course of the projects shall be disseminated on the one hand within
                the specific programme and on the other and by means of a centralized activity, pursuant to the Decision
                referred to in the third subparagraph of Article 4 of Decision 90/221 /Euratom, EEC.
             Proposal for a Council Decision adopting a specific programme of research and technological
                             development in the field of biomedicine and health (1990 to 1994)
                                                  COM(90) 162 final — SYN 267
                                         (Submitted by the Commission on 3 May 1990)
                                                            (90/C 174/10)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,                                 Whereas, by Decision 90/221/Euratom, EEC(*), the
                                                                         Council adopted a third framework programme for
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European                   Community activities in the field of research and tech-
Economic Community, and in particular Article 130q                      nological development (1990 to 1994), specifying inter
(2) thereof,                                                            alia the activities to be pursued for contributing to the
                                                                        development of the European potential for understand-
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,                      ing and expoiting the properties and structures of living
                                                                        matter; whereas this decision should be taken in the
In cooperation with the European Parliament,                            light of the grounds set out in the preamble to that
                                                                        Decision;
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and
Social Committee,                                                       (') OJ No L 117, 8. 5. 1990, p. 28.