51996AC0412

Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee on the 'Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EEC) No 1785/81 on the common organization of the markets in the sugar sector`

(96/C 174/07)

On 16 January 1996 the Council decided to consult the Economic and Social Committee, under Articles 43 and 198 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the above-mentioned proposal.

The Section for Agriculture and Fisheries, which was responsible for preparing the Committee's work on the subject, adopted its Opinion on 7 March 1996. The Rapporteur was Mrs Santiago.

At its 334th Plenary Session of 27 and 28 March 1996 (meeting of 27 March 1996), the Economic and Social Committee adopted the following Opinion by 83 votes to two, with three abstentions.

1. Introduction

1.1. When Portugal joined the Community it was granted a sugar beet production quota of 60 000 tonnes. The quota was not based on national production (which was non-existent), nor was it designed to ensure supplies for the national market (this being the job of existing refineries). The aim was basically political, to enable Portuguese farmers to grow sugar beet.

1.2. Plans to build a new refinery have raised the expectations of Portuguese growers, but the present basic quantities for sugar are too low for the expansion of beet production as an alternative crop.

1.3. The present proposal raises the quota by 10 000 tonnes, divided between the A and B quantities laid down initially in the Act of Accession.

2. General comments

2.1. The Committee welcomes the Commission proposal for the following reasons.

2.1.1. The proposed increase in quotas does not call into question the quotas established for other regions of the Community.

2.1.2. Although the increase is lower than had been advocated, it could encourage sugar production in Portugal and make a refinery viable, thereby boosting local development.

2.1.3. The Commission justifies the increase in the Portuguese production quota on the grounds that it is necessary for the economic development of regions where there is no alternative to beet growing. Such reasons should guide Community decisions more often.

Done at Brussels, 27 March 1996.

The President

of the Economic and Social Committee

Carlos FERRER