Apiculture programme: measures to improve the production and marketing of honey

PURPOSE : to improve the production and marketing of honey. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 797/2004/EC on measures improving general conditions for the production and marketing of apiculture products. CONTENT : This Regulation repeals and replaces Regulation 1221/97/EC. Beekeeping is a sector of agriculture, the main functions of which are economic activity and rural development, the production of honey and other products of the hive and the maintenance of ecological balance. The sector is characterised by diversity of production conditions and yields, and by the dispersion and variety of economic operators, both at the production and marketing stage. In view of the spread of varroasis in several Member States in recent years and the problems which this disease causes for honey production, this Regulation prescribes Community action to improve the production and marketing of apiculture products in the Community. It states that national programmes should be drawn up every three years comprising technical assistance, control of varroasis, rationalisation of transhumance, management of the restocking of hives in the Community, and cooperation on research programmes on beekeeping and apiculture products. In addition: - in order to supplement the statistical data on beekeeping, Member States must carry out studies on the structure of the sector, covering production, marketing and price formation; - expenditure by the Member States in fulfilment of the obligations arising from this Regulation will be borne by the Community in accordance with Council Regulation 1258/1999/EC; - whilst the competition rules governing State aid in the field of beekeeping apply, an exemption from the rules on State aids is made with regard to financial contributions provided by Member States for measures subject to Community support in accordance with this Regulation as well as with regard to specific national aids for the protection of apiaries disadvantaged by structural or natural conditions or under economic development programmes, except for those granted for production or trade; - special rules are established for such State aid. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 28/04/04.�