Europe: European nurserymen require the EC to avoid unfair competition by direct payments
Direct payment left between 500 and 600 euros in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy
The European Association of Nurseries (ENA, for its acronym in English) has approved sending a letter to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, for the European Commission (EC) avoid unfair competition between European producers of flowers and live plants as a result of direct payment, leaving in some countries payments 500 or 600 euros per hectare. In the letter, which had Efeagro access, and has been endorsed by the general assembly of ENA held in Stockholm (Sweden) Tuesday, President of the Association, Tim Edwards says that Article 24 of Regulation 1307 / 2013 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) allows direct payment in the Member States to producers of ornamental plants. However, only Spain and Ireland have decided to exclude flowers and live plants applying this direct payment industry, triggering a distortion of effective competition in the ornamental horticulture, according to the letter.
In addition, Edward emphasizes that “undoubtedly, the implementation of the Spanish and Irish governments Article 24 not only affect their national market, but it will cause a serious distortion of competition in the European Union”.
Moreover, he added, there will be a “clear discrimination between producers of the same type of farming and similar agricultural activities.”
This “injustice will, if not corrected, a significant negative impact on competitiveness and economic sustainability of farmers discrimination”, since the amount received as a direct payment may constitute a substantial proportion of the production costs.
Direct payment left between 500 and 600 euros in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy
The Spanish Federation of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX), which holds the vice presidency of ENA, explained to Efeagro producers of flowers and live plants in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Italy and the United Kingdom receive a average of between 500 and 600 euros per hectare due to the direct payment.
Therefore, from the European Association call on the European Commission, “as guarantor of Community law”, to avoid the unfair competition between European producers.
Ena president, Tim Edwards, Hogan summons to a meeting to discuss this issue and provide all relevant information.
EFE
