The European Parliament,

–       having regard to Article 4(2)(a) and Articles 26, 27, 114 and 115 TFEU,

–       having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.     whereas over the past few years a single market in agri-food products has become established;

B.     whereas rules governing production issues are the prerogative of individual Member States;

1.      Notes that the different tolerances of certain active ingredients that are authorised in individual Member States create great distortions when the same production techniques are used and are therefore an obstacle when it comes to establishing a single market based on fair competition;

2.      Considers that producers in some Member States are being penalised by not being able to legally use active ingredients that are authorised in other Member States and used by competitors;

3.      Calls on the Commission to look at this issue in detail and to implement a strategy with a view to achieving greater harmonisation in the use of such ingredients.