The House held a debate on Oral Question O-0026/2007 by 62 MEPs to the Commission on aid for farmers affected by frost damage.

Subject: Aid for farmers affected by frost damage "Polish farmers are experiencing a crisis as a result of the recent frosts which struck Poland in late April and early May, destroying around 90% of this year's fruit and vegetable crops, a situation exacerbated by the lack of protection afforded to the fruit market. Farmers are describing the crisis as the worst for decades. Many fruit growers will not harvest even a single kilo of apples, cherries or other fruit this year, leading to higher prices on the national market, as well as the loss of many overseas markets, where Polish producers have been successfully selling their produce for many years. The Polish Government has promised assistance to farmers in the form of deferred repayment of loans, new emergency loans and relief on farm taxes. Unfortunately, the Polish Government on its own is not in a position to resolve the problem of fruit and vegetable growers faced with bankruptcy. In the light of the above, what assistance does the Commission intend to provide for Polish fruit and vegetable producers?" -------- The debate was not followed by the adoption of a resolution.