Hops: common organisation of the market CMO, extension of the aid to 2002 (amend. Regulation (EEC) No 1696/71)

PURPOSE: to amend Regulation 1696/71/EEC on the common organisation of the market in hops. CONTENT: the purpose of the proposed amendment is to extend for two years, up to and including the 2002 harvest, the current flat-rate aid of EUR 480/ha to hops producers. Extending the current system for two years will permit decisions on aid to producers to be taken at the same time as decisions on special aid measures relating to temporary set-aside or permanent grubbing-up. At the end of that period, the Commission will present a report which will also cover the special measures and will make suitable proposals, taking account of the impact on the sector of the accession to the Union of certain applicant countries which are significant producers of hops. The regulation shall apply from 1 January 2001. �