Commission Regulation (EC) No 1474/97 of 28 July 1997 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 as regards the flat- rate aid for hazelnuts harvested during the 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000 marketing years

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1474/97 of 28 July 1997 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 as regards the flat-rate aid for hazelnuts harvested during the 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000 marketing years
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables (1), and in particular Article 55 thereof,
Whereas, in order to deal with the particularly difficult market conditions in the hazelnut sector, flat-rate aid is granted for the 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/2000 marketing years;
Whereas, in accordance with the objectives of the common organization of the markets, that aid is granted to producer organizations recognized under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 (2), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1363/95 (3), or Regulation (EC) No 2200/96; whereas, to enhance the results produced by the specific measures already implemented, that aid is granted only on condition that the aforementioned producer organizations implement in 1997 either a quality improvement plan within the meaning of Article 14d of Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 or an operational programme within the meaning of Commission Regulation (EC) No 411/97 (4), as amended by Regulation (EC) No 1119/97 (5);
Whereas, since the marketing year for hazelnuts runs from 1 September to 31 August, it should be left to the producer organizations to choose when they lodge their applications;
Whereas since the aid is granted to the producers of hazelnuts, the producer organization must pay the amount received in full;
Whereas, for the sake of the effectiveness of the system of flat-rate aid, procedures should be laid down for checks and, where undue payments are made, penalties;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Fruit and Vegetables,