51996AC0740

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of certain citrus fruits`

(96/C 212/18)

On 28 May 1996, 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 proposal.

The Economic and Social Committee decided to appoint Mr Mayayo Bello as Rapporteur-General for its Opinion.

At its 336th Plenary Session (meeting of 30 May 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 52 votes to 2 with 5 abstentions.

The Committee broadly welcomes the proposed regulation establishing an aid scheme for citrus fruit producers.

It approves the role to be played by producers' organizations in the proposed new regulation; the industry's negotiating power will be strengthened and it will be able to count on a more regular supply of raw materials for processing.

In the Committee's view, the reductions in the aid should perhaps be changed.

The Committee considers it necessary to establish a maximum limit of 20 % as a penalty for exceeding the threshold.

Done at Brussels, 30 May 1996.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER