Nut sector: quality and marketing improvement, extension of plans for one year (Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72)

The committee adopted the report by María IZQUIERDO ROJO (PES, E) amending the proposal under the consultation procedure. It wanted support for the nut sector to be extended for two years, rather than one year, until such time as the Commission submitted reform proposals relating specifically to nuts in its promised report on the fruit and vegetable sector (which was due by the end of 2000). These proposals should include flat-rate aid per hectare aimed at preserving existing income levels for producers. The committee also wanted the direct aid for hazelnuts (under Regulation 2200/96) to be continued for two more years. The rapporteur feared for the future of the EU nut sector which she said was being flooded by imports from non-EU countries (as a result of international trade agreements). She pointed out that nut and locust bean crops helped to combat desertification in the Mediterranean regions of Europe, and referred to previous EP resolutions underlining the need for specific support for the nut sector.�