92001E0421

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0421/01

by John McCartin (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(16 February 2001)

Subject: Market in beef

In view of the obvious reduction in the consumption of beef in the European Union, has the Commission estimated the amount of beef required for internal consumption in the EU

in the medium term, and has it considered the possibility of paying increased subsidies towards a reduction in the numbers of suckler cows in order to reduce subsidised exports and/or the destruction of beef while simultaneously maintaining rural incomes?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(7 May 2001)

The Commission, as part of its preparatory work for the presentation of a series of measures aimed at re-balancing the beef market, has estimated the surplus of beef on the Community market to be 785 000 tonnes (t) in 2001, 360 000 t in 2002 and 80 000 t in 2003.

The package of measures, which was discussed at the Agricultural Council of 26 February 2001, consisted of two main elements. Firstly, measures are proposed, which would have the effect of lowering the level of production and discouraging intensive methods of production. This would be achieved through more restrictive rules on suckler cow regime, but particularly in the special beef premium. Secondly, the remaining surplus would be absorbed by increased levels of intervention, totalling 925 000 t over the three years in question.

The Commission believes that, given the self-imposed budgetary limitations placed on the common agricultural policy (CAP) in the Berlin Agreement, such an approach, coupled with the necessary health protection measures put in place, appears as the only solution to the current crisis. The Commission therefore considers that, owing to that budgetary limitation, it is not possible to reach the objectives of reduced exportation and destruction of beef by increasing subsidy levels.