Press release, Brussels, 11 August 2014:
The European Commission is moving today to introduce support measures for the EU peach & nectarine sectors, notably by increasing the volumes of fruit eligible for withdrawal operations and free distribution. These markets have been hard hit by unfavourable weather conditions, with additional pressure now resulting from the import ban introduced by Russia.
Commenting on the move, EU Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Cioloș stated: “Following
the recent decline in prices on the peach and nectarine markets, urgent
action is needed to prop up the market and I intend to act
immediately.
I will be proposing today that the European Commission
take immediate, retroactive measures aimed at reducing supply and
promoting demand. I have been very clear that I would not hesitate to
act and use the new, modernised CAP to provide timely, proportionate and
market oriented assistance – this first measure today is a signal of
intent. We are monitoring markets closely and I will not hesitate to do
likewise to assist other sectors dependent on exports to Russia, should
it be necessary.”
The measures proposed are to increase
from 5% to 10% the production of Producer Organisations (POs) that may
be withdrawn for free distribution. Secondly, exceptional support
measures will also be made available to non-members of POs (paid at 50%
of the PO withdrawal price). In this way, the measures will also be
available to individual growers, provided the necessary controls are in
place. Finally, extra funds will be provided for promotion, under the
promotion actions in Producer Organisation operational programmes (under
the usual co-financing arrangements). The formal decision will be taken
in the coming weeks, but it will apply retro-actively as from today.
This was a step already under discussion last week, but the announcement
of import restrictions by Russia risks to further aggravate the market
situation and has accelerated the need for action.
Background
The main EU
producers of peaches (EU annual production = 2.4 - 2.5 million tonnes)
and nectarines (1.1 - 1.2mt) are Italy, Spain, France and Greece.
Although there is always a seasonal variability on the market due to
weather conditions, this year has seen a particularly negative impact on
the market. Weather conditions in Spring/early Summer saw both an
increase in production, and also an advance in maturity such that there
was a much more intense availability of products at the start of the
season than usual – rather than a more even spread of supply over
several weeks. Thereafter, the cooler and more humid condition in June
and July slowed down consumption.
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-920_en.htm?locale=en
11/8/14
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