10 Amendments of Thijs BERMAN related to 2008/0149(COD)
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The same conditions which jeopardise the very right to food in developing countries and lead to the need for the present financing facility (the high food prices), also lead to lower agriculture market expenditure under Heading 2 of the Financial Framework. Current estimates also indicate a significant unallocated margin under the ceiling of Heading 2 in 2009.
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people but, of smallholder farmers, and also of the European consumers and farmers.
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
18a. This Regulation should also be the start of a long-term strategy for the target countries which are selected according to criteria laid down in the Annex and a follow up of actions financed under this regulation should be carried out in the following years.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The list of beneficiary countries shall not exceed a maximum of 35 countries, in order to concentrate efforts efficiently. The target countries shall be selected on the basis of the set of criteria laid down in the Annex.
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Wherever feasible, NGO involvement shall be guaranteed in the projects carried out by all international organisations.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Transparent monitoring and evaluations of the projects of the World Food Programme (WFP),the Food and Agriculture Organisation( FAO), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank and other international and regional organisations in the beneficiary countries are necessary to ensure an efficient and effective implementation of this Regulation.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The primary objectives of the assistance and cooperation under this Regulation shall be to encourage a positive supply response of agricultural sector, including small- holder farmers, in target countries and regions in the context of their sustainable development and to support activities to respond rapidly and directly to mitigate the negative effects of high food prices in line with food security objectives and UN standards for nutritional requirements.
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4
Article 2 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall ensure that measures adopted under this Regulation are consistent with the Community's overall strategic policy framework for the eligible country or countries concerned, and shall guarantee priority access for small-holder farmers to the food facility.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 3
Article 5 – paragraph 3
3. Participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the geographical development instrument applicable to the country in which the action takes place, as well as to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the rules of the implementing international organisation, care being taken to ensure that equal treatment is afforded to all donors. The same rules shall apply in respect of supplies and materials. Experts may be of any nationality. In addition, expertise in Member States' agricultural projects should be used and incorporated into the execution of the projects falling within the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex
Annex
ANNEX ANNEX Indicative list of criteria to select target countries countries and criteria for financial allocations per country Indicative criteria to select target countries: - Food price inflation and its potential socio-economic and political impact: • Level of food price inflation (in comparison to general inflation) • Reliance on net food imports, including imports of food aid • Social vulnerability and political stability • Food production as a percentage of farm consumption • Agricultural production capacity - Capacity of the potentially eligible country to respond and implement appropriate response measures • Measures taken by Government, including supply side (such as enhancing infrastructure of rural areas) and trade measures • Export earnings • Fiscal vulnerability Account will also be taken of other sources of financing available to the target country, at short term, from the donor community, to respond to the Food crisis, and of the potential of the country to increase agricultural production, in a long term sustainable manner. Indicative criteria for financial allocations per country: • A sufficient level of good governance; • The real needs of the population concerned; • Sufficient capacity to set up social safety nets for poor and vulnerable groups; • Sufficient capacity to increase agricultural production rapidly and efficiently; • Sufficient infrastructure to accommodate a rapid increase in production and to supply local and regional markets.