Support system for producers of certain arable crops (amend. Regul. 1765/92/EEC)

Mr BALDARELLI approved the Commission proposal aimed at linking the possibility of counting environmental set-aside and afforestation under the set-aside requirement for arable crops. In fact, the two systems, arable crops and accompanying measures, were distinct. This dissuaded farmers from setting aside or afforesting the most marginal land given that he also had to set aside additional land to benefit from the aid available for arable land. The rapporteur considered that this measure should focus as a priority on Objective 1 and Objective 5b regions and on areas that had experienced serious environmental damage and those suffering from geological deterioration. He also supported the authorisation for the Member States to grant national aid to producers to cover costs incurred: in planting crops for biomass production or medicinal plants; and in establishing hay field crops and recreational activities relating to rural tourism (in accordance with the White Paper).