Improving Community agricultural statistics

OBJECTIVE: to amend Decision 96/411/EC on improving Community agricultural statistics. SUBSTANCE: Decision 96/411/EC provided the Commission with a flexible tool which makes it possible to adapt statistical applications to changes in information needs. The Decision has already been implemented and technical action plans adopted for 1996 and 1997. In the light of this initial experience, the Commission wishes to improve its effectiveness by proposing two amendments concerning: - the deadline for the transmission of the reports of Member States: putting back the deadline from 31 March to 31 July would enable the results of the activities to be assessed more effectively; - the Commission report to Parliament and the Council on progress in implementing the Decision: it is proposed that the date for drawing up the report be put back by two years, i.e. until 1999. �