Council Regulation (EEC) No 3698/88 of 24 November 1988 laying down special measures for hemp seed

COUNCIL  REGULATION (EEC) No 3698/88
of 24 November 1988
laying down special measures for hemp seed
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee,
Whereas the production of hemp seed is of importance to the economy of certain regions of the Community; whereas, in order to promote the expansion of this crop, which is subject to direct competition from hemp seed imported from third countries duty free, provision should be made for appropriate support;
Whereas for this purpose the marketing of Community production must ensure producers a fair income; whereas to this end aid should be granted for hemp seed produced in the Community; whereas, in view of the characteristics of the crop, a system for laying down the aid on a flat-rate basis should be provided for;
Whereas provision should be made to ensure that expenditure incurred by Member States as a result of the obligations arising out of the application of this Regulation falls within the financial responsibility of the Community in accordance with the regulations on the financing of the common agricultural policy;
Whereas certain varieties of hemp contain substances which may harm human health; whereas therefore the aid should be granted only for hemp presenting adequate guarantees as to the content of intoxicating substances in the product as harvested;
Whereas, in order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Regulation are applied under optimum conditions during the 1988/89 marketing year, transitional measures are necessary; whereas therefore a flat-rate aid per hectare should be granted for that marketing year,