91997E1058

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1058/97 by Jesús Cabezón Alonso (PSE) to the Commission (19 March 1997)

Subject: Modernization in the olive oil sector

What view does the Commission take of the efforts made by the Spanish olive oil sector as regards the modernization of holdings, oil quality, labelling, improvements to bottling plants, etc.?

How are these efforts to be reflected in the planned reform of the COM in olive oil?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (14 April 1997)

The Commission is fully aware of Spain's efforts since its accession, and even before, as regards the entire olive oil industry.

Spain's production capacity has increased considerably mainly as a result of new plantings and the annual increase in production aid during the olive oil sector's transition period to the common agricultural policy.

Moreover, the quality of oils has been improved tremendously on account of major investment in the sector which has brought about a technological modernization of the majority of mills and new bottling industries.

Conversely, the present common organization of the markets, has on the one hand had the effect of increasing production potential, and on the other, has given rise to blatant malfunctions (largely due to a very old set of regulations which has been amended many times).

Whatever the proposed reform, the Commission intends to take the very positive efforts made by the entire Spanish olive oil industry into account, without however losing sight of the actual reality of the Community olive oil sector as a whole.