An additional package of “exceptional measures” to support EU farmers, including the “consideration” of a new private storage aid scheme for pigmeat, has been announced by the European Commission (EC).
EC farm commissioner, Phil Hogan, told today’s Council of Farm Ministers’ meeting in Brussels that he was prepared to use “all instruments” that the legislators have put at his disposal, both as a short term and long term measure.
Speaking specifically on giving support for the pigmeat sector, however, the commissioner (pictured above) restricted his promise of help to saying merely that he would “consider” proposals for a new private storage aid scheme for pigmeat. He also said that the details of the new scheme, including the timing of its introduction, will have to be confirmed.
Other key promises included focusing on promotional activities and the EC’s continued determination to end the phytosanitary-based Russian ban.
“Promotion campaigns are a key instrument in finding new markets and over €110 million (£85m) is available for 2016 only to support promotion of EU agricultural produce within the EU and on third countries,” declared an EC statement.
“Over €30m (£25m) is specifically earmarked for the pigmeat and dairy sectors, a commitment made last September. An additional amount is added today to reflect the market disturbances in those sectors.”
On the Russian issue, the Commission said that it was “relentlessly continuing” its efforts to lift the phytosanitary Russian ban.
“Despite our efforts to try to ensure a rapid resumption of trade between the EU and Russia, very little has happened,” it said. “However, important progress has been made in the lifting of unjustified or disproportionate phytosanitary measures by third countries which will contribute to substantially increased trade flows. This includes progress in the US, Japanese, Brazilian and Ukrainian markets.”