Commission Regulation (EC) No 303/1999 of 10 February 1999 laying down exceptional measures in relation to the set-aside rules in order to alleviate the effects of adverse weather conditions in certain areas of the Community

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 303/1999 of 10 February 1999 laying down exceptional measures in relation to the set-aside rules in order to alleviate the effects of adverse weather conditions in certain areas of the Community
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1765/92 of 30 June 1992 establishing a support system for producers of certain arable crops (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1624/98 (2), and in particular Article 12 thereof,
Whereas eligibility for the compensatory payment under the general scheme referred to Article 2(5) of Regulation (EEC) No 1765/92 is subject to an obligation to set-aside land; whereas the detailed rules of application laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 762/94 (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1981/98 (4), specify that the set-aside period shall commence on 15 January at the latest and that no agricultural production is allowed on set-aside land;
Whereas, as a result of adverse weather conditions, it is impossible for producers in certain areas within certain Member States to harvest existing crops, in particular of potatoes, sugar beet, fodder beet, carrots or parsnips prior to 15 January 1999 on land destined to be set aside; whereas exceptionally the harvest of those crops prior to 28 February 1999 should, on an application by a producer, be allowed without this prohibiting the land from being validly set aside, provided that a producer proves that the relevant conditions are satisfied;
Whereas the Management Committee for Cereals has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman,