B3-0448, 0451, 0474 and 0480/94

Resolution on the damage caused to hazelnut production by the storms in Catalonia

The European Parliament,

A.having regard to the severe storms with winds of up to 120 km per hour in the first week of April 1994, and particularly on 7 April 1994, which have inflicted damage on the forthcoming hazelnut harvest to the extent of between 30% and 70% of total production (in respect of dry and irrigated land respectively),

B.whereas the hazelnut-producing areas affected by the adverse weather of early April are in part Objective 5b areas (earmarked for rural development),

C.having regard to the major difficulties currently facing Community hazelnut production, in view of the substantial competition which has for some time been coming from third countries and is aggravated by the high degree of instability of the Turkish lira vis-à-vis the US dollar,

1.Expresses its concern at the problems facing Community hazelnut production and its solidarity with the producers most affected by the recent climatic circumstances;

2.Considers that the maintenance of Community hazelnut production and nut production in general must be a major objective from the viewpoints of agriculture, the environment, regional policy and rural development policy;

3.Calls on the Commission to grant emergency aid to the hazelnut producers affected by the storms of 7 April 1994 in Catalonia and the adjoining areas of other regions;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Spanish Government and the regional government of Catalonia.