Report on the situation of the sector of soft fruits and cherries intended for processing

In 2004, the market of several soft fruits and other red fruits intended for processing was in a situation of crisis with low producer prices. In the context of the discussions on the simplification of the Common Market Organisation for fruits and vegetables at the Council in November 2004, the Presidency requested the European Commission to carry out an analysis of the situation of the sector and, if necessary, bring forward proposals to address specific problems.

The Commission's work consists in two elements:

A Commission staff working document "review of the sector of soft fruits and cherries intended for processing in the EU". This document develops an in-depth review of the situation in five sub-sectors: blackcurrants, raspberries, strawberries, sour and sweet cherries;

A Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament "on the situation of the sector of soft fruits and cherries intended for processing". This report provides the summary of the analysis presented in the working document and draws conclusions on policy implications.