22.4.2008

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 100/6

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Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises active in the production of agricultural products and amending Regulation (EC) No 70/2001

(2008/C 100/04)

Aid No: XA 384/07

Member State: Belgium

Region: Vlaanderen

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid: Vlaams Centrum voor Agro- en Visserijmarketing vzw (VLAM)

Legal basis: Decreet van 22 december 2006 houdende de uitgavenbegroting van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap voor het begrotingsjaar 2007, inzonderheid artikel 12, gewijzigd bij het decreet van 29 juni 2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: A grant of EUR 60 000, broken down as follows for the three programmes:

EUR 34 000 for consultancy services provided,

EUR 9 000 for organising forums for the exchange of knowledge,

EUR 17 000 for publications

Maximum aid intensity: The aid intensity is 100 %

Date of implementation: Aid will start on 1 January 2008

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Aid will be granted for activities carried out between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2008

Objective of aid: In 2008, the non-profit organisation VLAM wishes to run an active campaign for the development and dissemination of a logo to enable consumers to identify places selling farm products. The campaign is designed to facilitate contact between producers and consumers.

VLAM intends to undertake the following activities:

The aid is granted under Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and complies with that Article.

Article 15(2)(c): concerning consultancy services provided by third parties, the fees for services which do not constitute a continuous or periodic activity nor relate to the enterprise's usual operating expenditure, such as routine tax consultancy services, regular legal services or advertising.

Article 15(2)(d): concerning the organisation of and participation in forums to share knowledge between businesses, competitions, exhibitions and fairs.

Article 15(2)(f): publications such as catalogues or websites presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product, provided the information and presentation is neutral and that all producers concerned have equal opportunities to be represented in the publication

Sector(s) concerned: The arable and livestock sectors

Name and address of the granting authority:

Departement Landbouw en Visserij

Duurzame Landbouwontwikkeling

Ellips, 6e verdieping

Koning Albert II laan, 35, bus 40

B-1030 Brussel

Website: http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/article_body.pl?numac=2007036508&caller=list&article_lang=N&row_id=1&numero=18&pub_date=2007-10-04&set3=set+character_variant+ %27dutch.ftl %27&ddfm=12&dt=DECREET&language=nl&choix1=EN&choix2=EN&fromtab=+montxt&nl=n&trier=afkondiging&ddda=2006&sql=dt+ %3D+ %27DECREET %27+and+dd+between+date %272006-12-22 %27+and+date %272006-12-22 %27+&rech=18&tri=dd+AS+RANK+&ddfa=2006&dddj=22&dddm=12&ddfj=22&set1=set+stopfile+ %27MON.stp %27

Other information: Without this State aid, it would not be possible to achieve the programme's objective and it would be impossible to carry out the project

Jules VAN LIEFFERINGE

Secretary-General

Aid No: XA 387/07

Member State: Spain

Region: Comunidad Valenciana

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Régimen de ayudas a los productores de cereza y viñedo de determinados municipios de la Comunitat Valenciana, afectados por las adversidades climáticas sufridas durante los años 2006-2007

Legal basis: Resolución de la Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, por la que se establecen ayudas a los productores de cereza y de viñedo de determinados municipios de la Comunitat Valenciana, afectados por las adversidades climáticas sufridas durante los años 2006-2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The planned expenditure on aid for cherry growing is EUR 1 300 000.

The planned expenditure on aid for vine growing is EUR 150 000

Maximum aid intensity: The estimated aid intensity, based on the assessment formula, will in no case exceed 49,74 % for cherries and will be 39,98 % for vineyards.

The maximum aid for cherries is EUR 20 000.

The aid for vine growing granted to each farmer will not exceed the maximum aid calculated in accordance with Article 11(2) and (3) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006

Date of implementation: Ten days after publication in the Official Gazette of the Autonomous Community of Valencia

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until 31 December 2008

Objective of aid: The aid is intended to compensate farmers for the loss of production potential on cherry farms and in vineyards affected by severe weather conditions during 2006 and 2007, thus facilitating the continuing operation of the holdings concerned.

Article 11: Aid for losses due to adverse climatic events.

The aid is intended to compensate for the reduction in income from the sale of the product resulting from the adverse climatic event

Sectors(s) concerned: Agricultural sector: cherry growing and vine growing

Name and address of the granting authority:

Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

C/ Amadeo de Saboya, no 2

E-46010 Valencia

Website: http://www.docv.gva.es/portal/portal/2007/12/03/pdf/2007_14504.pdf

Valencia, 26 November 2007.

Director-general for Agricultural Production

Laura PEÑARROYA FABREGAT

Aid No: XA 388/07

Member State: Italy

Region: Piemonte

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid award: d.g.r. n. 36-6961 del 24 settembre 2007«Legge regionale 20 novembre 2002, n. 29 (Istituto per il marketing dei prodotti agroalimentari del Piemonte), art. 3, comma 2. Procedure, criteri e condizioni per l'erogazione di contributi in conto capitale»

Legal basis: Legge regionale n. 29/2002

d.g.r. n. 36-6961 del 24 settembre 2007

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 0,40 million.

Overall amount of individual grants: EUR 2,40 million

Maximum intensity of the aid: Maximum intensity of the aid:

100 % for market research, product development and the establishment of production standards (see point 1.2.1.A of the Annex to Decree of the Regional Executive No 36-6961 (d.g.r. n. 36-6961 del 24.9.2007 punto 1.2.1.A)),

100 % for technical expertise for trade agreements and partnerships (see point 1.2.1.B of the Annex to Decree of the Regional Executive No 366961 (d.g.r. n. 36-6961 del 24.9.2007 punto 1.2.1.B)),

100 % for promotional measures, participation in fairs and similar events (see point 1.2.1.D of the Annex to Decree of the Regional Executive No 36-6961 (d.g.r. n. 36-6961 del 24.9.2007 punto 1.2.1.D))

Date of implementation:

Duration of scheme or individual aid award:

Objective of the aid and eligible expenditure: The objectives of the aid are:

Aid within the meaning of Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 aimed at promoting quality agricultural products.

In particular, aid may be granted to cover the costs of primary production enterprises for the following, insofar as they are related to the development of quality agricultural products:

—	market research activities, product conception and design, including aid granted for the preparation of applications for the recognition of geographical indications and designations of origin or certificates of specific character in accordance with the relevant Community regulations,

—	the introduction of quality assurance schemes such as ISO 9000 or 14000 series, systems based on hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), traceability systems, systems to assure respect of authenticity and marketing norms or environmental audit systems,

—	training of personnel to apply schemes and systems as referred to in the previous point,

—	the charges levied by recognised certifying bodies for the initial certification of quality assurance and similar systems,

—	compulsory control measures undertaken pursuant to Community or national legislation by or on behalf of the competent authorities, unless Community legislation requires enterprises to bear such costs.

Aid within the meaning of Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 aimed at promoting trade agreements and partnerships.

Concerning consultancy provided by third parties, costs may be financed that are not the costs of permanent or recurrent services, nor relating to the enterprise's day-to-day expenditure, e.g. for ordinary tax advice, regular legal advice, or advertising.

Aid within the meaning of Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 aimed at promoting participation in promotional events (fairs and similar events).

In particular, in respect of the organisation and participation in forums to share knowledge between businesses, in competitions, exhibitions and fairs, aid may be granted to primary production enterprises for the following costs:

—	registration fees,

—	travel costs,

—	costs of publications,

—	costs of renting stands,

—	symbolic prizes awarded in the framework of competitions, up to a value of EUR 250 per prize and winner.

Aid may be also granted to cover costs for publications such as catalogues or websites presenting factual information about producers from a given region or producers of a given product, provided that this information and the presentation are neutral and that all producers concerned are afforded the same opportunity to feature in the publications

Sector(s) concerned: Agriculture and related services and activities. All production sectors whose products fall under the definition provided in Article 2(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006

Name and address of the authority granting the aid:

Regione Piemonte Direzione Agricoltura

Corso Stati Uniti, 21

I-10129 Torino

Website: The direct link to the complete text of the aid scheme is the following:

http://www.regione.piemonte.it/governo/bollettino/abbonati/2007/39/suppo2/00000001.htm

Other information: The planned duration of the aid scheme is up to 2013, i.e. until the expiry of the Community guidelines for State aid in the agriculture and forestry sector 2007 to 2013 (OJ C 319, 27.12.2006, p. 1) and the exemption Regulation, Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006. The annual expenditure of EUR 400 000 is provided for in the multiannual budget of the Region of Piedmont, as approved by Regional Law No 10 of 23 April 2007 for 2007, 2008 and 2009. Subsequent regional legislative acts of an accounting and financial nature shall set out, every year, the financial allocation of the aid scheme from 2010 to 2013

Aid No: XA 390/07

Member State: France

Region: Département de l'Hérault

Title of aid scheme: Aides à l'achat d'agroéquipements à vocation environnementale par des Coopératives d'Utilisation de Matériels en Commun (CUMA)

Legal basis:

—	Article 4 du règlement (CE) no 1857/2006 de la Commission du 15 décembre 2006

—	Articles L1511-2, L1511-3 et L1511-5 du code général des collectivités territoriales

—	Délibération du Conseil général de l'Hérault du 16 juillet 2007

—	Convention cadre en cours entre le département et la région Languedoc Roussillon

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme: EUR 70 000 depending on budget available

Maximum aid intensity: Between 15 % and 40 % of the total eligible cost depending on the equipment and existence or otherwise of other public financers, it being understood that the Departmental Council will ensure that the rate of 40 % is never exceeded where there are several sources of aid

Date of implementation: Following acknowledgement of receipt by the European Commission

Duration of scheme: 2007-2013

Objective of aid: This aid scheme is in line with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

The implementation of this programme should enable the environmental protection objective contained in Article 4(3)(d) of the above Regulation to be met.

The eligible expenditure will cover the purchase of high-performance agricultural equipment which will enable the use of particularly polluting chemical fertilisers and phytosanitary products to be restricted and soil inputs to be reduced, thereby contributing to the development of environmentally-friendly cultural practices. For example, replacing chemical weed control by mechanical weed control reduces the use of herbicides and therefore their presence in the soil and in surface and groundwater.

This aid will also contribute to reducing costs for individual holdings in accordance with Article 4(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006, as it is reserved for CUMAs (shared equipment cooperatives). Indeed investing as CUMAs allows needs to be pooled; farmers optimise and rationalise their investments on the scale of several holdings. Purchasing the equipment as CUMAs avoids over-investment on the part of individuals. This stimulates the competitiveness of the holdings, all other things being equal.

The list of eligible agricultural equipment is attached to this exemption form

Sector(s) concerned: The aid is open to all CUMAs, irrespective of their sector of activity, provided that they comply with the definition of SMEs within the meaning of Community rules

Name and address of the granting authority:

Conseil général de l'Hérault

Hôtel du département

1000, rue d'Alco

F-34087 Montpellier cedex 4

Website: www.cg34.fr

heading: Economie/agriculture/production/appui au développement/ en savoir plus: aide à l'investissement en CUMA

List of eligible agricultural equipment for environmental purposes:

1.   Soil working equipment, in particular:

Plant shredders

Sprayers

Rotating shredders

Decompactors

Rotating mowers

Subsoil ploughs

Harrows.

The use of this equipment restricts chemical weed control, aerates the soil and leads to a better transformation of organic matter by improving the soil structure. Expenditure to purchase this agricultural equipment will therefore contribute to the objectives for improving the natural environment in accordance with Article 4(3)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006.

2.   Biofuel equipment, in particular:

Decanting vats

Holding silos

Packaging machines

Storage silos

Pumps

Sorters

Storage vats

Pressing units

Oil presses

Worms

Dryers

Filters.

This equipment allows biofuels to be produced from rapeseed and sunflower. It will be financed if it is intended to be used solely for the production of biofuels.

3.   Equipment linked to the use of organic matter, in particular:

Spreading tanks

Manure spreaders

Compost spreaders

Composting packs

Organic matter spreaders

Plant shredders.

The use of organic matter avoids the use of chemical fertilisers. Furthermore, the organic matter improves the soil structure and increases its retention capacity. The measure therefore complies with the environmental preservation objective contained in Article 4(3)(d) of Regulation No 1857/2006.

4.   Green pruning equipment, in particular:

Collecting rakes

Mechanical cleaners

Brush shredders

Tying-up machines

Toppers

Pre-pruners

Leaf cutters

Creepers.

This equipment is essentially used for tying up vines and maintaining plots.

Better tying reduces the use of phytosanitary products as the leaf surface is less extended and healthier.

5.   Equipment restricting pollution by phytosanitary products, in particular:

Washing units for harvesting machines

Programmable totalisers,

Precision locating equipment Treatment: GPS

Vat rinsing kits

Equipment to assist decision-making

Flow management equipment

Spray mixture recovery panels.

This equipment reduces chemical inputs and increases the efficacy of the treatments

Aid No: XA 391/07

Member State: Spain

Region: Región de Murcia

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving an individual aid: Ayudas a los Consejos Reguladores de Denominaciones de Origen e Indicaciones Geográficas y para el Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de la Región de Murcia, para la puesta en marcha y para las actividades de los Consejos

Legal basis: Propuesta de Orden de la Consejería de Agricultura y Agua por la que se establecen las subvenciones para los Consejos Reguladores de Denominaciones de Origen e Indicaciones Geográficas y para el Consejo de Agricultura Ecológica de la Región de Murcia

Annual expenditure planned under the scheme or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company: The annual expenditure planned is EUR 2 000 000, amounting to EUR 12 000 000 for the six-year period

Maximum aid intensity: Under Article 4 of the Draft Order, the aid may not exceed EUR 275 000 per year and Council for products governed by Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 or EUR 160 000 for products governed by Regulations (EC) No 510/2006 and (EC) No 1493/1999.

However, by virtue of Article 3, the maximum amount of aid depends on the eligible expenditure concerned. Thus:

For aid covering the activities of the Councils (Article 3.A), up to 70 % of total expenditure for information and promotion may be subsidised in the framework of programmes relating to food quality (subject to a maximum of EUR 90 000) (point 1.1) and up to 70 % also for aid for market research (subject to a maximum of EUR 20 000 per year) (point 1.3). For generic advertising, aid of up to 50 % is allowed, subject to a maximum of EUR 20 000 (point 1.2).

For the costs of the compulsory control measures, aid of up to 100 % or 60 % is allowed, depending on whether they are carried out by Councils for products governed by Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 or whether they are carried out by Councils governed by Regulations (EC) No 510/2006 and (EC) No 1493/1999 (subject to a maximum of EUR 60 000 per year in the case of the last two Regulations) (Article 3.A.2).

For setting up the Councils (Article 3.B), aid of up to 100 % may be granted subject to a maximum of EUR 60 000 per year for the first five years (and a maximum of EUR 300 000 for the five-year period as a whole) (point 1); aid for information, promotion and publicity will decrease gradually over the initial five-year period from the creation of the Regulatory Council, and the limits are the same as above, both for generic publicity and for research, i.e. EUR 20 000 per year (point 2). For the costs of the compulsory control measures, the aid will also decrease gradually, from 100 % to 60 %, in the first five years following the setting up of the Regulatory Council and will be subject to the same maximum of up to EUR 60 000 per year (point 3)

Date of implementation: January 2008

Duration of scheme or individual aid award: Until December 2013

Objective of aid: The aid provided for in the Draft Order is awarded in respect of the activities both of the Regulatory Councils for Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications and of the Murcia Organic Farming Board in relation to the control and promotion of the quality of the products they deal with and defraying the costs of setting up new bodies.

The subsidies provided for in the Draft Order in respect of the activities of the Councils are in keeping with Article 15(2)(c) and (d) in (i), (iii), (iv) and (e) of Regulation (EC) No 1857/2006 and Article 3.A.1 and B.2 of the Draft Order; and Article 14(a) and (e) of the Regulation with Article 3.A.2 and B.3 of the Draft Order.

With regard to aid for setting up the Councils, provision is made for this in measures included in Article 9 of the Regulation which include the eligible expenditure mentioned in Section 3, which are included in Article 3.B.1 of the Draft Order

Sector(s) concerned: Agricultural production, including animal and vegetable products

Name and address of the granting authority:

Dirección General de Industrias y Asociacionismo Agrario

Consejería de Agricultura y Agua

Plaza de Juan XXIII, s/n

E-30008 Murcia

Website: http://www.carm.es/neweb2/servlet/integra.servlets.ControlPublico?IDCONTENIDO=5221&IDTIPO=100&RASTRO=c428$m

Other information: The aid is not paid directly to the producers but through the Regulatory Councils for Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications and for the Murcia Organic Farming Board for products governed by Council Regulation No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs, Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine and Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs

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