51999AC0197

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on:

- the "Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables", and

- the "Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of certain citrus fruits"

(1999/C 116/08)

On 18 December 1998 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposals.

The Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 5 February 1999. The rapporteur was Mr Bento Gonçalves.

At its 361st plenary session (meeting of 24 February 1999) the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion with 63 votes in favour and five abstentions.

1. Introduction

1.1. The two proposals essentially implement the conclusions of the Council of Agricultural Ministers meeting of 22-26 June 1998. The first proposal also makes two drafting and/or technical improvements which have proved necessary in Regulation 2200/96.

2. General comments

2.1. Direct sales

2.1.1. The Committee is concerned about the impact which the proposed amendments might have on the operation of producer organizations, and about the economic impact of allowing their members to sell produce direct to consumers away from the farm.

2.1.2. The Commission proposal makes no provision for monitoring these direct sales.

2.2. Free distribution

2.2.1. The Committee thinks that producer organizations should be effectively compensated for all the transport, sorting and packaging costs of free distribution of products withdrawn from the market.

3. Specific comments

3.1. Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables.

3.1.1. Article 1(1)(c)(3), first indent.

3.1.1.1. The Committee proposes that the current wording of the regulation be retained unamended.

3.1.1.2. The Committee could only accept the amendment if it stated clearly that the sales which the producer makes outside his organization must on no account exceed 25 % of the farm's production.

3.2. Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of certain citrus fruits.

3.2.1. The Committee endorses the Commission proposal.

4. Conclusions

4.1. The Committee approves the proposals on condition that the Commission takes account of the above comments.

Brussels, 24 February 1999.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Beatrice RANGONI MACHIAVELLI