The committee adopted the report by Elisabeth JEGGLE (EPP-ED, D) amending the proposal under the consultation procedure. It wanted the proposed levy to be introduced as from 1 April 2005 rather than 1 April 2004, arguing that there was no need for the date of the dairy market reform to be brought forward. It also said that the increases in quotas should depend on the actual situation of the markets.
Other amendments sought to:
- ensure that young farmers are encouraged to enter the sector;
- ensure that Member States are free to decide whether or not they want to maintain the transferred quota for the national reserve; and
- simplify the procedure for the prior licensing of milk producers as direct sellers, by providing for producers to file a prior declaration of activity.�