PURPOSE : to repeal and modify Regulation 2358/71/EEC following the reform in the seeds sector established by Regulation 1782/2003/EC.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Council Regulation 1947/2005/EC on the common organisation of the market in seeds and repealing Regulations 2358/71/EEC and 1674/72/EEC.

CONTENT : The Council unanimously adopted a Regulation on the common organisation of the market in seeds. The main provisions of this Regulation are as follows:

-Council Regulation 2358/71/EEC on the common organisation of the market in seeds has been substantially amended several times, particularly by Council Regulation 1782/2003/EC. In the interests of clarity, Regulation 2358/71/EEC is repealed and replaced by a new Regulation.

- The provisions of Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC laying down general rules for granting and financing aid for seed were incorporated into the implementing rules provided for in Chapter 10 of Commission Regulation 1973/2004/EC. Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC is therefore be repealed.

- In order to monitor the volume of trade in seeds with third countries, the Regulation makes provision for an import licence scheme with the lodging of a security to ensure that the transactions for which such licences are requested are effected.

- Finland may, subject to authorisation by the Commission, grant aid respectively for certain quantities of seeds and for certain quantities of cereal seed produced solely in Finland, because of its specific climatic conditions. Prior to 1 January 2006, the Commission shall transmit to the Council, on the basis of the information supplied in due time by Finland, a report on the results of the aid authorised, accompanied by the necessary proposals.

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 06/12/2005

DATE OF APPLICATION : 01/07/2006.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Joseph DAUL (EPP-ED, FR) and approved the Commission’s proposal.

The committee adopted the report by its chairman, Joseph DAUL (EPP-ED, FR), approving the proposal unamended under the consultation procedure.

PURPOSE: to repeal and modify Regulation 2358/71/EEC following the reform in the seeds sector established by Regulation 1782/2003/EC.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation

CONTENT: Council Regulation 2358/71/EEC on the common organisation of the market in seeds and the CN codes of products falling within the scope of that common market organisation have undergone a number of substantial amendments. In view of those amendments and, in particular, those introduced under Council Regulation 1782/2003/EC establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, that Regulation should be repealed and replaced by a new Regulation in the interests of clarity and a proper understanding of Community legislation.

The provisions of Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC laying down general rules for granting and financing aid for seed were incorporated into the implementing rules provided for in Chapter 10 of Commission Regulation 1973/2004/EC. Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC should therefore be repealed.

The import licence scheme has been made uniform for all seed imports and, at the same time, has been streamlined in that there are no longer exemptions for duly registered growing contracts in third countries.

The provisions on the granting of national aid by Finland on account of its specific climatic conditions have been retained and the Commission will transmit a report to the Council on the results of this aid by 1 January 2006.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS :

Budget heading: 05 02 11 02 Appropriations: EUR 110 million

PURPOSE: to repeal and modify Regulation 2358/71/EEC following the reform in the seeds sector established by Regulation 1782/2003/EC.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation

CONTENT: Council Regulation 2358/71/EEC on the common organisation of the market in seeds and the CN codes of products falling within the scope of that common market organisation have undergone a number of substantial amendments. In view of those amendments and, in particular, those introduced under Council Regulation 1782/2003/EC establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, that Regulation should be repealed and replaced by a new Regulation in the interests of clarity and a proper understanding of Community legislation.

The provisions of Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC laying down general rules for granting and financing aid for seed were incorporated into the implementing rules provided for in Chapter 10 of Commission Regulation 1973/2004/EC. Council Regulation 1674/72/EEC should therefore be repealed.

The import licence scheme has been made uniform for all seed imports and, at the same time, has been streamlined in that there are no longer exemptions for duly registered growing contracts in third countries.

The provisions on the granting of national aid by Finland on account of its specific climatic conditions have been retained and the Commission will transmit a report to the Council on the results of this aid by 1 January 2006.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS :

Budget heading: 05 02 11 02 Appropriations: EUR 110 million