Pigmeat: common organisation of the markets

The committee adopted the report by Georges GAROT (PES, F) amending the Commission proposal under the consultation procedure. It expressed doubts as to the effectiveness of the proposal and wanted to see a more effective crisis management system and improved regulation of production. Given the cyclical nature and instability of the pigmeat market, it was essential that measures be taken to ensure reliable short- and long-term forecasts for production and market trends. This was a prerequisite for the smooth functioning of the regulatory fund proposed by the Commission. The committee also called for the Community to provide funding for the regulatory mechanism, in addition to the levies to be paid into the scheme by pig farmers, arguing that the latter, who were facing a 30% collapse in prices, could not be expected to bear the full brunt of the worst ever recession to hit the sector. It said the scheme should be mandatory in the Member States and not voluntary, as the Commission was proposing, as it would not be effective unless all the Member States took part. It also called for mandatory launching aid from the Community to cover the administrative costs of setting up the funds instead of voluntary aid from the Member States. �