Commission Regulation (EC) No 1818/2002 of 11 October 2002 derogating from Council Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999 as regards the area payments for certain arable crops and the payments for set-aside for the 2002/2003 marketing year to producers established in the territory of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1818/2002
of 11 October 2002
derogating from Council Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999 as regards the area payments for certain arable crops and the payments for set-aside for the 2002/2003 marketing year to producers established in the territory of Ireland and Northern Ireland
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999 of 17 May 1999 establishing a support system for producers of certain arable crops(1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1038/2001(2), and in particular Article 9 second paragraph, fourth indent thereof,
Whereas:
(1) Article 8(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1251/1999 foresees the payments of the area payments as from 16 November following the harvest.
(2) Excessive rainfalls have affected Ireland and Northern Ireland in summer 2002. This exceptional situation has resulted in an exceptionally low average yield.
(3) Producers are in severe financial difficulties as a result.
(4) This being the case in Ireland and Northern Ireland and in view of the budgetary situation, Ireland and United Kingdom should be authorised to make, prior to 16 November 2002, advance payments of area aid for cereals and advance payments of set-aside aid for the 2002/2003 marketing year.
(5) In view of the urgent adoption of the measure, this Regulation should enter into force immediately.
(6) The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Cereals,