The 22-23 November 2004 meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, discussed key reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Sugar Reform
The Council completed its thorough examination of the Commission’s Communication on the sugar sector reform.
Summary of the Council discussions:
the need for a reform: all delegations agreed that the status quo in the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for sugar is not sustainable;
the international aspects of sugar: a large majority of countries underlined the need to explore discuss the reform with developing nations and to clarify the pending WTO issues;
the planned schedule: the Commission may not publish its legislative proposal before May 2005 which means that it will be implemented later than planned;
the competitive position of the EU sugar sector needed to be strengthened.
The Commission will now prepare its legislative proposal based on the Council’s comments. See EPHA’s related article "EU sugar reform".
Promotion of consumption of fruit and vegetables
The Council took note of the Presidency conclusions on the simplification of the common market organization in fruit and vegetables .
The Council felt that adjustments to the Common Market Organization (CMO) in fruit and vegetables are needed to make it more market-oriented and adapted to the enlarged Union.
These adjustments focus on producer organisations, market crisis, the opening of the CMO to additional products, simplification of operational funds and the promotion of consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Promotion of agricultural products
The Council adopted a Regulation aiming at improving the system of information and promotion actions for agricultural products within the Community and in third countries.
The Regulation amends Regulations 2826/00 and 2702/99, concerning measures on information and promotion for agricultural products in, respectively, the internal market and third countries.
It will apply from 1 January 2005.
