26 February Agriculture Council

Date: 29/02/1996

MINISTERS' televised discussions on the 1996/97 price proposals saw most member states repeat their enthusiasm for “continuity”, “stability” and “simplification” in the Commission's plans. As anticipated, the UK - represented by Permanent Secretary Richard Packer - and Swedish minister Margareta Winberg asked why bolder price cuts were not being proposed. Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler justified his approach on the basis that any deeper changes should wait until the initial reform process had been completed. He also insisted that any amendments must be budget neutral.

ON proposed changes to the beef regime, there was broad acceptance of the plan to abolish the 22-month bull premium payment, but Austria and Germany called for an increase of more than 14&percent; in the 10-month payment. Spain's Luiz Atienza and France's Philippe Vasseur suggested an earlier 8-month payment, while Dutch minister Jozias van Aartsen proposed the abolition of the 22-month payment for steers as well as bulls. Ireland's Ivan Yates asked for a 35&percent; threshold for the deseasonalisation premium, rather than the 38&percent; proposed. Germany's Jochen Borchert rejected the plan to end the special derogations on regional ceilings which are applicable in eastern Germany.

MINISTERS reached a broad political agreement that all “Beta-agonists” should be banned, except for the therapeutic treatment of horses and pets, although the UK and Germany argued they should also be allowed for the treatment of pregnant cows. Member states agreed that rules applying to the EU should also apply to imports. Likewise, consensus was reached on improving controls on hormone use, although there was no clarity on who should finance such measures. Discussions on whether or not to withhold premium payments from offending farmers turned into a debate on whether this should be a European Commission or Council of Ministers' competence. The final details on the three proposals on the table are to be thrashed out by Coreper (the EU's Committee of permanent representatives).

FISCHLER presented the Commission's proposals to phase out the practice of rearing calves in veal crates by the year 2008. The UK and Sweden then insisted that the proposed phase-out period was far too long. France called for a more detailed socio-economic study on the potential effect on farmers. Vasseur also defended the practice of feeding young calves on a milk-based diet.

GERMANY questioned the use in animal feed of various additives - avoparcine, carbadox, olaquindox, ronidazol and dimetridazol. Fischler said the Scientific Veterinary Committee was already working on opinions on these substances and that results should be available by April.

SPAIN raised concern over the effects of third country trade agreements on EU farmers, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector. Council President Walter Luchetti agreed to look more deeply into the problem at the informal meeting of agriculture ministers in Otranto, Italy, on 5-7 May.