A3-0021/94

Resolution on the market for hazelnuts in the European Community

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the motions for resolutions by:

(a)Mrs Ferrer and others on the market for hazelnuts in the EC (B3-0464/93),

(b)Mr Barrera i Costa on hazelnut production in the European Community (B3-0788/93),

(c)Mr Borgo and others on the difficulties facing the nut sector in the Community, particularly the hazelnut sector (B3-1149/93),

-having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

-having delegated the power of decision, pursuant to Rule 52 of the Rules of Procedure, to the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development,

-having regard to the report by the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development (A3-0021/94),

A.whereas the nut sector, particularly the hazelnut sector, is going through a major crisis with a fall in market prices, an increase in production costs and growing market problems caused by imports from third countries,

B.whereas nut farms may cease to exist if this situation persists, and the socio-economic and environmental consequences would be irreparable,

C.whereas this is one of the few sectors which does not produce a surplus and in which Community trade protection is minimal,

1.Calls for urgent measures to be taken to support Community production of hazelnuts, involving a revision of the current tariff concessions and increased protection at borders, so as to ensure that Community producers have a reasonable share of the market and to lessen the constant downward pressure on prices caused by over-production and low production costs in third countries;

2.Believes the sector should also be given special temporary aid of approximately ECU 1 000/ha, or ECU 0.47/kg of hazelnuts in their shells, conditional upon various quality guarantees and restricted to traditional growing areas and existing holdings;

3.Calls for a Community programme to be devised and introduced as soon as possible to promote these products, conduct research into new uses and highlight their nutritional benefits;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Council.