91997E3022

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3022/97 by Amedeo Amadeo (NI) to the Commission (1 October 1997)

Subject: Improving the production and marketing of honey

Insufficient funds are allocated to the honey sector in the Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey (COM(96) 596 final - 96/0282 CNS) ((OJ C 378, 13.12.1996, p. 20. )).

Will the Commission include in the proposal a symbolic level of support to provide both professional and amateur beekeepers with beehives?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-3019/97, E-3020/97, E-3021/97 and E-3022/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (29 October 1997)

The Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that Council Regulation (EC) No 1221/97 laying down general rules for the application of measures to improve the production and marketing of honey ((OJ L 173, 1.7.1997. )) was adopted on 25 June.

One of the specific priorities of the Regulation is technical assistance to beekeepers. This includes training of young farmers interested in apiculture. The Regulation's aim is improvement of the production and marketing of honey, i.e. it is not a disease eradication programme. It provides for Community part-financing of national programmes and is intended to cover all beekeepers without distinction.

On imports and on quality standards for honey marketed within the Community, Council Directive 74/409/EEC on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States relating to honey ((OJ L 221, 12.8.1974. )) applies. A proposal for amendment of it is at present before Parliament and the Council.

Under Council Directive 89/397/EEC on the official control of foodstuffs ((OJ L 186, 30.6.1989. )) honey from third countries is subject to the same control rules as that produced in the Community. It is up to the national authorities to take all necessary action to effect control in conformity with that Directive.