91997E2239

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2239/97 by Richard Howitt (PSE) to the Commission (2 July 1997)

Subject: Organic food

Following representations from a business in my constituency, is the Commission aware that 60 per cent of organic food sales in Britain are met by imports because no local supply is available?

Does the Commission have similar figures for other EU countries?

What assistance is provided through the common agricultural policy to stimulate the production of organic foods in Member States?

Could the Commission provide information of schemes within individual states which also stimulate organic food production?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1997)

The Commission has no detailed data on the quantities of organic products imported from third countries into the Community. In the framework of Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs ((OJ L 198, 22.7.1991. )), only qualitative information relating in particular to the nature of the imported products and the inspection arrangements in the third countries, are exchanged between the Member States and the Commission.

The common agricultural policy (CAP) support mechanisms do not differentiate in principle between agricultural products from conventional production and those from organic production, and in fact they support both methods of production. However, since it is a method which is favourable for the environment, the organic production method is well placed to benefit from the financial support mechanisms in Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92, on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside ((OJ L 215, 30.7.1992. )).

Moreover, organic production is supported by the regime of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, which creates a framework of fair competition to the benefit of the organic producers, and a credibility for the organic products among consumers.

Beyond the measures accepted by the Commission in the framework of Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92, the Commission has no detailed and systematic information on further support mechanisms in the individual Member States.