98/235/EC: Commission Decision of 11 March 1998 on the advisory committees dealing with matters covered by the common agricultural policy

COMMISSION DECISION of 11 March 1998 on the advisory committees dealing with matters covered by the common agricultural policy (98/235/EC)
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Whereas the Commission should seek the views of the economic sectors and consumers on matters arising in connection with the operation of the various common organisations of the market and other areas covered by the common agricultural policy;
Whereas all the economic sectors directly involved in the operation of the market organisations and affected by agricultural policy decisions, as well as consumers, should have an opportunity to participate in drafting the opinions requested by the Commission;
Whereas relevant economic federations and consumer groups in the Member States have set up organisations at European Union level, which are thus in a position to represent those concerned in all the Member States;
Whereas several agricultural advisory committees have been set up by various Commission decisions (1) since 1962;
Whereas, following the reform of the common agricultural policy in 1992, it has proved necessary to combine some committees and make provision for new ones;
Whereas a study on the operation of the advisory committees has shown that there is scope for further improvements; whereas various procedures and definitions, the allocation of seats among the groups represented and the rules for renewing the committees should therefore be adjusted;
Whereas the provisions relating to the agricultural advisory committees have been amended on several occasions and are contained in 27 different instruments; whereas they have therefore become difficult to apply and should be consolidated in a single Decision,