WRITTEN QUESTION E-0049/00

by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission

(20 January 2000)

Subject: Cologne process: revision of the Poseima programme and aid for organic farming

Organic farming in the Azores is only now beginning to develop, and Regulation (EEC) No 1600/1992(1) makes no specific provision for developing it further.

Both in terms of the needs of Azores promotion strategy and of commercial and environmental considerations, organic farming merits closer attention.

Does the Commission not think that when the aforesaid Regulation is revised, provision should be made for special incentives for organic farmers?

(1) OJ L 173, 27.6.1992, p. 1.

Joint answer to Written Questions E-0038/00, E-0043/00, E-0044/00, E-0045/00, E-0046/00, E-0047/00, E-0048/00, E-0049/00, E-0050/00, E-0051/00 and E-0052/00 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2000)

The Honourable Member has put a whole series of questions regarding the Poseima Programme for the Azores.

The Commission is currently drafting a report on the measures to implement Article 299(2) (ex Article 227) of the EC Treaty.

At this stage, before the Commission has adopted that report, it is not able to reply to the Honourable Member's questions concerning its content.

Lastly, the Commission's Work Programme for 2000 provides for a report to be presented to the Council and Parliament on the implementation of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1600/92 of 15 June 1992 concerning specific measures for the Azores and Madeira relating to certain agricultural products(1) (Poseima), together where appropriate with proposals for any adjustments that prove necessary to achieve the programme's goals. The set of measures relating to agriculture in the Azores will be considered in that connection.

(1) OJ L 173, 27.6.1992.