The Scottish Government

Summary of responses to the consultation on the Reform of the EU Fruit and Vegetable Regime

Introduction

At the end of April 2007 the Scottish Executive sought views from stakeholders on the European Commission's proposals for a reform of the EU Fruit and Vegetable regime, published at the end of January 2007.

The Commission's proposal promised a simplified regime in line with other CAP reforms since 2003. In summary, it proposed the abolition of a coupled support for products grown for processing and integration of fruit and vegetables into the Single Payment Scheme (including cross-compliance rules). It also proposed that arrangements for assistance to Producer Organisations would be retained, with increased flexibility and scope and a simplified legal framework.

The following reform objectives were identified:

• to improve EU fruit and vegetables' competitiveness and market orientation (to contribute to achieving sustainable production that is competitive both on internal and external markets);
• to reduce fluctuations in fruit and vegetables producers' incomes resulting from crises;
• to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in the EU;
• to continue the efforts made by the sector to maintain and protect the environment; and
• to simplify and where possible reduce the administrative burden for all concerned.

The Scottish Executive's consultation sought views in particular on:

• the options set out in the Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment;
• the likely costs and benefits of the proposed reform; and
• the themes identified in the background to the consultation, namely:

1. producer organisations

2. crisis management

3. the Single Farm Payment Scheme

4. decoupling of aids for products grown for processing

5. environment

6. consumption

7. external trade

8. simplification

Summary of Responses

The Scottish Executive received 4 responses to the consultation. The responses were from National Farming Union Scotland, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Scottish Borders Produce and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Generally respondents supported at least some of the Proposals including the removal of fruit, vegetables and potatoes from the negative list.

All raised concerns about the issue of entitlements for Single Farm Payment Scheme and stressed that careful consideration needed to be given to this issue to ensure that Scottish growers were not disadvantaged.

Most respondents expressed sympathy with the proposals for additional environmental protection when the reforms are implementing, including cross compliance, though some concern was raised about the % proposed for inclusion by the Producer Organisations in their operational programmes.

Support was given by respondents to the objective and proposed measures to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables with concerns about targeting and that any scheme should be co-ordinated and flexible.

Respondents were opposed to the introduction of further crisis management tools.

Government response

As a result of consultation, the UK Government was better informed about stakeholders views in its negotiations with the European Commission and other Member States on the reforms proposed. Following the unanimous agreement reached on a reform package at the Agriculture Council held on 12 June, the UK continues to work with the Commission on related implementing rules, with a view to a more competitive and cost effective fruit and vegetable sector across the EU. This link refers you to the Commission website to the main elements of that agreement: