The Committee on Agriculture and Development adopted the consultation report by Elisabeth JEGGLE (EPP-ED, DE), approving, with amendments, the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (single CMO Regulation) as regards the national quotas for milk.
In order to respond to the growing demand in the EU and global markets, the European Commission proposed increasing quotas for milk by 2% in all Member States from 1 April 2008. While agreeing on the principle of an increase to enable the European dairy sector to take advantage of new global opportunities, the Committee on Agriculture suggests that national quotas can be voluntarily raised by 2% from 1 April 2008.
In addition, for the quota year 2008/2009, a surplus levy shall be payable on milk and other milk products marketed in excess of the national quota, as established in accordance with the Regulation, if, after EU-wide balancing out, a surplus still exists.
Before 1 January 2009, the Commission shall submit:
· a study on the economic, social and environmental impact of the increase in milk quotas, paying particular attention to mountainous regions and other regions with comparably difficult production conditions;
· a report on consumer behaviour with regard to the milk market and to the specific circumstances of milk production in disadvantaged regions.