(2004/C 33 E/251)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2275/03

by Georges Berthu (NI) to the Commission

(7 July 2003)

Subject:   Agriculture — drought and set-aside land

Some parts of France are currently suffering from serious drought, and grass for use as cattle fodder is becoming scarce. Would it be possible in such cases for derogations to be granted so that set-aside land might be used for the growing of animal fodder crops, with a view not only to coping with the current crisis but also to combating the droughts which are likely to occur in the future?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(29 July 2003)

The Commission is aware of the fact that the drought became worse in several regions of the Community in June 2003 and, following a favourable opinion of the Management Committee for Cereals delivered on 3 July 2003, has decided to authorise the use of set-aside land for fodder in the regions concerned in Germany, France, Italy and Austria in the 2003/04 marketing year. This measure applies from 4 July 2003.

The use of set-aside land for animal feed must remain an exceptional measure to be adopted only where specific regional circumstances so require.