92001E2711

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2711/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 October 2001)

Subject: Operational methods of the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative Producers' Organisation

The Greek Ministry of Agriculture's Directorate of Plant Produce has produced a document (reference 384498/17.07.2001) stating that the committee's report on the operation of the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative Industrial Tomato Producers Organisation' has revealed that it is not operating in accordance with Community regulations and national provisions.

In particular:

(a) There is no guarantee of a democratic decision-making process (Regulation (EC) No 412/97(1), Article 3) since the rules of procedure make no provision regarding decisions by the governing board.

(b) There is no list of members approved by the county court.

(c) There is no separate account kept for the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative Industrial Tomato Producers Organisation', but in terms of accounting the producers' organisation shares the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative's bank account, so that the money in the operational fund is also available for the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative's activities.

(d) The items in the operational programme (administrative personnel, supplies management etc.) also cover the activities of the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative.

(e) The requirements of Regulation (EC) 2201/96(2) and the Agriculture Ministry's Decision 351665/20.04.2000 concerning the production and distribution of industrial tomatoes are not being met, according to the monitoring report dated 14 March 2001 by the three-member committee of the Directorate for Agricultural Development. Because of these shortcomings, the directorate responsible did not make payments for the operational programme for 1997 to 2000, with the result that Community contributions amounting to 170 000 000 drachmas have not been paid over, while producers who are members of the Gastouni Agricultural Cooperative Producers' Organisation have had to pay their own contributions, since the programme's activities are co-financed.

Although the Ministry of Agriculture is aware of these facts, no steps have been taken to ensure that the above cooperative complies with Community regulations and national provisions.

What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure that the cooperative complies with Community legislation?

(1) OJ L 62, 4.3.1997, p. 16.

(2) OJ L 297, 21.11.1996, p. 29.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(6 November 2001)

The Commission has taken note of the situation involving the Gastouni producer organisation.

It is contacting the national authorities to obtain details of the situation involving the producer organisation so it can consider what action should be taken.

The Honourable Member will be informed of the results of the Commission's enquiries.