Smaller Aegean islands: specific measures (amend. Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93)

PURPOSE : to amend Regulation 2019/93/EEC on specific measures for some Greek Islands concerning agricultural products. CONTENT : the Regulation was designed as a response to permanent handicaps in these regions and to specific constraints such as very small farm sizes. It comprises two types of measure, specific supply arrangements (SSA) and specific measures for the main sectors of local agricultural production, as well as a series of derogations concerning structural aids. A progress report on the Regulation has been produced. The Commission proposals for amendments provide for a review of the list of products covered by the supply arrangements, retaining only those products that are really essential to human consumption (flour) and those that constitute agricultural inputs (animal feedingstuff), while removing less important products on which the SSA have has only a very limited impact (sugar, yoghurt). There are no plans to renew the arrangements on fruit and vegetables. On local agricultural production measures, the adjustments to be made arise from the analysis of local needs. In the case of cattle farming, the measures have helped stabilise the herd by reducing production costs. this system will be retained and adapted to the new rules for beef and veal. The aid for maintaining cultivation of areas under vines, olive groves, potatoes for human consumption and seed potatoes and the production of honey of specific quality has also helped to stabilise these activities and to structure the sectors concerned. The Commission proposes to maintain existing arrangements, while updating the number of hives in the beekeeping sector. The aid is compatible with, and supplementary to, the respective market organisations. Aid which has not proved to be effective (storage of local cheeses and ageing of liqueur wines) and too unwieldy and complicated (fruit vegetables and flowers) will be abolished. In view of the fact that investment costs for materials and equipment and for labour are on average 50% greater in these islands, it is proposed that the rates of aid referred to in Regulation 1257/99/EC be increased by way of derogation. These changes aim to take better account of the specific features of the islands. They are unlikely to disrupt the single market or the application of the common policies. They have no budgetary impact, and budget neutrality is therefore ensured.�