92001E2642

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2642/01

by Encarnación Redondo Jiménez (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(28 September 2001)

Subject: European mushroom sector

Mushroom production in the EU stands at 1 million tonnes per year. The situation in the sector is marked by relative stability but high fragility, mainly owing to imports of the genus Agaricus (cultivated mushrooms) at a price which is 50 % lower, despite the quota of 29 290 t per year (22 750 being allocated to China under Regulation (EC) 2858/2000(1)). There are also instances of fraud whereby mushrooms are imported in excess of the quota under different customs headings.

The United States banned imports of Chinese mushrooms for five years following legal proceedings for dumping, which ended two years ago.

In this light, and bearing in mind the significant role played in certain local areas by mushroom-growing, which is extremely labour-intensive:

- what is the Commission's assessment of the impact which application of the customs quota for mushrooms of the genus Agaricus has had on the European mushroom-producing sector since its introduction in 1992?

- What consequences does the Commission expect China's imminent accession to the WTO to have for customs quotas for mushrooms of the genus Agaricus in the EU?

- Have any assessments been made of the social and economic impact on European producers of Agaricus mushrooms in the event of substantial variations in the current customs quota? What measures are in place to offset any negative impact?

- What action is being taken to ensure that Chinese imports under chapter 07 designated as Calocybe or Psaillota are not in fact imports of Agaricus? How many checks have been made, and with what results?

(1) OJ L 332, 28.12.2000, p. 59.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(13 November 2001)

The Commission is aware of the difficulties facing the Community mushroom sector, and in particular the vulnerable position in which it now finds itself as a result of the structural fall in demand for preserved mushrooms in Europe and the serious competition represented by imports. It has no, however, uncovered any instances of fraud or unlawfulness when the product is being imported.

Furthermore, the existence of quotas for mushrooms under WTO(1) arrangements since 1995, by keeping imports at a steady level, has helped stabilise the sector and steered it towards greater quantitative and qualitative control of the finished product, both upstream and downstream. The quotas are consolidated within GATT(2) and comply in full with the provisions in force and the rules governing them.

China's accession to the WTO cannot undermine the existence of these quotas or the arrangements governing them.

It is the responsibility of the Member States' customs authorities to see to it that Community law concerning imports is properly applied.

(1) World Trade Organisation.

(2) General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.