Adverse weather conditions

19.3.2012

Question for oral answer O-000072/2012
to the Commission
Rule 115
Patrick Le Hyaric, João Ferreira, Willy Meyer, Alfreds Rubiks, Nikolaos Chountis
on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group

Extreme weather conditions have a major impact on agricultural production in Europe. Heavy snow and extremely cold temperatures, or long periods of drought, have been experienced by many Member States and have seriously affected this year’s crops of autumn and winter fruit and vegetables, as well as having devastating consequences for pastures, cereal crops, orchards and olive groves used for food and feed production.

As a result of these conditions, farmers are suffering losses and finding it extremely difficult to dispose of their products. This is exacerbated by continuing low market prices and the income crisis faced by many farmers in the current economic climate.

Significant decreases in agricultural production yields are being forecast for this year and those to come.

What steps is the Commission taking with regard to the recommendation that a European agricultural public insurance scheme be set up to support farmers, with EU funding , as proposed in Parliament’s resolution of 21 September 2010 (P7_TA(2010)0326) on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters?

Has the Commission considered any measures to help Member States affected by drought and unusually cold winter weather?

What immediate action does the Commission propose to take to compensate for the damage caused by these adverse weather conditions?

Tabled: 19.3.2012

Forwarded: 21.3.2012

Deadline for reply: 28.3.2012