Recognition of certain agricultural products

18.11.2013

Question for written answer E-013083-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Lara Comi (PPE) , Clemente Mastella (PPE) , Magdi Cristiano Allam (EFD) , Aldo Patriciello (PPE) , Luigi Ciriaco De Mita (PPE) , Susy De Martini (ECR) , Mara Bizzotto (EFD) , Erminia Mazzoni (PPE) , Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE) , Alfredo Antoniozzi (PPE) , Paolo Bartolozzi (PPE) , Alfredo Pallone (PPE) , Cristiana Muscardini (ECR)

There are many organisms belonging to the fungus kingdom (fungi in the Linnaeus classification), only some of which are edible. The communication by the European Commission published, pursuant to Article 9(1) of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23 July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff, in OJ L 256, 7 September 1987, lists only five species of fungi (Cantharellus cibarius Fries, Cantharellus friesii Quélet, Clitocybe aurantiaca, Craterellus cornucopioides and Boletus edulis).

When this list was published, the legislation in certain Member States, including Italy, recognised the possibility that other fungi species could be cultivated, albeit on an experimental basis. In other contexts, the Commission tends to promote scientific and technological innovation.

1. Does the Commission think that this list should be updated, specifically to take into consideration those experimental cultures that have been established over the last 30 years or so?

2. Since this list is at the basis of the scope of application of the common agricultural policy, does the Commission not believe that such a restriction could be discriminatory, for instance towards growers of truffles?

3. Does the Commission believe that steps should be identified to stimulate and protect innovation and research in agriculture, as in all other sectors? If so, what steps should these be?

OJ C 231, 17/07/2014