Bananas: special framework of technical and financial assistance for traditional ACP suppliers

PURPOSE: the establishment of a special framework of assistance for traditional ACP suppliers of bananas. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation 856/1999/EC establishing a special framework of assistance for traditional ACP suppliers of bananas. CONTENT: The aim of this Regulation is to assist traditional ACP suppliers to adapt to the new conditions of the market, in particular following the amendments to be brought to the common organisation of the banana market, and notably to increase the competitiveness of their production, while, at the same time, encouraging more environmentally-friendly methods of production/marketing. Specifically, it provides that technical and financial assistance will be granted at the request of the ACP to contribute to the implementation of programmes aiming: (a) to improve competitiveness in the banana sector, in particular through - increasing productivity, without causing damage to the environment, - improving quality, including phytosanitary measures, - adapting production, distribution or marketing methods to meet the new quality standards, - establishing producers' organisations which have as their objective the improvement of the marketing and competitiveness of their products and the development of systems for certifying environmentally-friendly production methods including fair trade bananas, improving the distribution infrastructure and improving commercial and financial services to banana producers; (b) to support diversification where improvement in the competitiveness of the banana sector is not sustainable. This special framework of assistance will be implemented for a period not exceeding 10 years, starting on 1 January 1999. The Commission shall decide on the eligibility of these programmes after consultation with the traditional ACP suppliers concerned, and with the assistance of the Member States meeting in the competent committee. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 30.04.1999.�