The Commission presented a report on the
implementation of the scheme of specific measures in agriculture in
favour of the outermost regions of the Union (POSEI).
Specific measures for agriculture have been
implemented through the programme called POSEI (Programme of
options specific to the remote and insular nature of the outermost
regions) with a view to supporting the economic and social
development of the outermost regions (OR) and to facilitate access
to the benefits of the single market.
The POSEI scheme is aimed at the French overseas
departments and regions (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, La
Réunion and, since 2014, Mayotte) and also covers the Canary
Islands, the Azores and Madeira.
Two categories of measures have been implemented under
the programmes, namely Specific Supply Arrangements (SSAs)
and Support for Local Production (SLP). The measures must
comply with European legislation and be compatible with the common
agricultural policy (CAP) and other EU policies.
This implementation report concerns the application of
the scheme during the period 2006 to 2014.
Evaluation of the scheme: the report states that the overall performance of
the POSEI programmes over the period 2006-2014 is rather
positive and that the programmes address directly all the
challenges faced by the outermost regions through a major
contribution to farmers' incomes:
- the POSEI programme has contributed to maintaining the
traditional "diversification products" in these regions and
to an adequate supply of agricultural products. The POSEI programme
contributed to (i) the maintenance of production in the four
outermost regions in the banana sector; (ii) the maintenance of
production and cultivated areas in the sugar sector; (iii) the
maintenance of milk and meat production in the Azores; (iv) the
maintenance of wine production in Madeira;
- SSAs reduced the difference in prices of
products supported in the outermost regions in relation to the
mainland, and the SLPs facilitated the maintenance of agricultural
production activities;
- the programme supported the employment of
around 140 000 people in the value chain of all the outermost
regions and contributed greatly to income;
- POSEI programmes have contributed to the overall
objectives of the CAP. Coherence between POSEI programmes and
rural development programmes (RDPs) is strong. The analyses show
that the needs of the outermost regions are not fully covered by
the current CAP measures.
On the basis of this assessment, the report recommends
that the current basic Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 be
maintained. An amendment to Regulation (EU) No 180/2014
should be made in order to clarify and simplify the preparation of
programme reports.
Recommendations: Member
States should adapt their programmes in order to improve the
effectiveness of the application of measures and of programme
design and to enhance complementarity with other CAP aids, in
particular to increase the competitiveness of local
production.
The Commission recommends that Member
States:
- define, within their programme, a clearer
strategy, highlighting the general objectives and quantifying
the specific objectives with appropriate indicators;
- ensure a better distribution of aid between
different types of farms or sectors in certain ORs in order to
mitigate income differences between beneficiaries and sectors and
to increase coverage of specific needs;
- pursue the development of sustainable agricultural
practices, including by strengthening non-price
competitiveness. It is recommended that i) product differentiation
is developed through non-price competitiveness (brown sugar,
sustainable bananas, fresh milk, PDO wine, etc.) compared to
conventional products for which the ORs have no comparative
advantage; (ii) exchanges of good practices with other ORs are
strengthened.
- improve reporting by
including more information on national supports;
- ensure the actual payment of the complementary
national support, particularly if this aid represents a high
percentage of the total allocation.