(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2003) 23)(1),

–   having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C5&nbhy;0041/2003),

–   having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A5&nbhy;0182/2003),

A.   whereas the Commission proposal, as amended, is compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the current financial perspective 2004-2006,

B.   whereas it asks for the matter to be referred to it again once the framework of the future financial perspective is formally agreed by the budgetary authority,

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Considers that the Commission proposal, as amended, is compatible with the ceiling of heading 1a of the current financial perspective 2004-2006;

3.  Asks for the matter to be referred to it again once the framework of the future financial perspective is formally agreed by the budgetary authority;

4.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

5.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

6.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

7.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission   Amendments by Parliament Amendment 1 Title Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000. Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Amendment 2 RECITAL 1A (new) (1a) A strong, effective and comprehensive rural development policy accompanied by adequate funding is a prerequisite to enable the Union to ensure satisfactory development in less-favoured areas facing structural difficulties or with low yields while at the same time enhancing the overall competitiveness of EU agriculture. Amendment 3 RECITAL 1B (new) (1b) The Union must give increased support to promoting the conditions required for satisfactory rural development in less-favoured areas. This must involve both stepping up the percentage of investment in fragile or especially fragile areas and raising the level of aid for less-favoured areas facing structural difficulties or with low yields. In a context of reform of the agricultural policy it is even more important for the Community to support possible ways of maintaining activity in these areas. Amendment 4 RECITAL 1C (new) (1c) Fragile or especially fragile regions and environmentally sensitive areas must be given more support within the framework of this Regulation. This should take the form, for example, of encouragement for extensive grazing in grassland locations, encouragement for farming crops that promote biodiversity and counteract soil erosion in the Mediterranean region, etc., with higher co-financing rates (up to 80%) than in more favoured locations. Amendment 5 RECITAL 2 (2)  A more rapid implementation in the agricultural sector of demanding standards based on Community legislation concerning the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety should be promoted. Those standards may impose new obligations on farmers giving rise to a loss of income or additional costs. Temporary and degressive support should be provided to farmers to help cover partly the costs arising from the implementation of such standards. (2)  A more rapid implementation in the agricultural sector of demanding standards based on Community legislation concerning the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety should be promoted. Those standards may impose new obligations on farmers giving rise to a loss of income or additional costs. Temporary and degressive support should be provided to farmers to help cover in part the costs arising from the implementation of such standards. Such support must be greater, permanent and stable in less-favoured areas facing structural difficulties or with low yields. Amendment 6 RECITAL 2A (new) (2a) The objectives of the common agricultural policy and the strengthening of rural development must reflect, in particular, the needs of land-based family farms. Amendment 93 RECITAL 4A (new) (4a) Agricultural cooperatives, producer groups and organisations play a fundamental role in concentrating supply and in the food chain. They must be given support so as to enable them to continue to guarantee the safety and quality of products and production methods, to increase the added value of agricultural products and the number of sales outlets and to create an economic fabric that diversifies the economies of rural areas. Given that they ensure a sustainable form of agriculture that maintains the vitality of rural communities, they should be provided with rural development policy support. Amendment 8 RECITAL 6 (6)  Experience has shown that the range of instruments to promote food quality in rural development policy needs to be reinforced. (6)  Experience has shown that the range of instruments to promote food quality in rural development policy needs to be reinforced. Care should be taken in particular to ensure that support measures, in the context of consumer preference, multifunctionality of farms and diversification of the food product supply, are directed towards "food quality", both from the point of view of environmentally friendly and species-appropriate production methods and from that of protecting and making active use of the biological diversity of plant and animal species in agriculture. Information and dialogue-promoting measures which mediate between the expectations and claims of the various players in rural society and have an influence on rural development programmes should be included in the catalogue of rural development measures. Amendments 9 and 94 RECITAL 7 (7)  Farmers should be encouraged to participate in Community or national food quality schemes. Participation in such schemes can give rise to additional costs and obligations which are not fully rewarded by the marketplace. Temporary support should be provided to farmers who participate in such schemes. (7)  Farmers should be encouraged to participate in Community or national food quality schemes. Participation in such schemes can give rise to additional costs and obligations which are not fully rewarded by the marketplace. Support should be provided to farmers who participate in such schemes. Such support must be greater, permanent and stable in less-favoured areas facing structural difficulties or with low yields. Amendment 10 RECITAL 8 (8)  There is a need to improve consumers" awareness of the existence and specifications of products produced under Community or national food quality schemes. Support should be provided to producer groups to inform consumers and promote products provided under schemes supported by Member States within their rural development plans. In order to ensure there is no scope for duplication of agricultural promotion activities on the internal market, Community support foreseen by Council Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000 on information and promotion actions for agricultural products on the internal market should be suppressed from 2005. (8)  There is a need to improve consumers" awareness of the existence and specifications of products produced under Community or national food quality schemes. Support should be provided to producer groups to inform consumers and promote products provided under schemes supported by Member States within their rural development plans. Amendment 11 RECITAL 8A (new) (8a) By virtue of the emphasis placed on participation, a holistic approach and creativity, Leader+ has stimulated the development of rural areas and should be strengthened. Amendment 12 RECITAL 9A (new) (9a) There is a need to incorporate under the second pillar measures designed to encourage the establishment of economic organisations controlled by agricultural producers, with a view to ensuring that these organisations achieve a certain size and coping with the challenge posed by the opening-up of international markets and the concentration of distribution. Such support is particularly appropriate in the run-up to the enlargement, given that, in the future Member States, organised producers control only a minority of agricultural production. Amendment 13 RECITAL 9B (new) (9b) The granting of special benefits to young farmers must facilitate not just their setting up in business but also the subsequent structural adjustment of their farms. Furthermore, intergenerational transfers must be safeguarded. Amendment 80 Article 1, POINT –1 (new) Article 2, indent 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1.  In Article 2, the third indent is replaced by the following: "– the encouragement of non-food production, with the aim of developing further development and use of environmentally friendly raw materials from agriculture," Amendment 15 ARTICLE 1, POINT -1A (new) Article 2, indent 10 (Regulation (EC) 1257/1999) -1a. In Article 2, the tenth indent is replaced by the following: "- maintaining and promoting a high degree of natural value and sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture; maintaining and using the biological and genetic diversity of crops and animals in production," Amendment 16 ARTICLE 1, POINT –1B (new) Article 2, indent 11a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1b. In Article 2, the following indent 11a is added: "- the need to safeguard intergenerational transfers." Amendment 17 ARTICLE 1, POINT -1C (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 2 (Regulation (EC) 1257/1999) -1c. In Article 4, the second indent in the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "- improving and converting production with a view to good agricultural practice and diversification of production," Amendment 18 ARTICLE 1, POINT -1D (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1d. In Article 4, the third indent in the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "- improving the quality of foodstuffs and primary products and their processing on farms," Amendment 19 ARTICLE 1, POINT –1E (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 3a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1e. In Article 4, the following indent 3a is inserted in the second paragraph: "– to introduce inputs of confirmed quality," Amendment 20 ARTICLE 1, POINT -1F (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 4 (Regulation (EC) 1257/1999) -1f. In Article 4, the fourth indent in the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "- maintaining and improving the natural environment, the use of biological and genetic resources in agriculture, hygiene conditions and animal protection standards," Amendment 21 ARTICLE 1, POINT –1G (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 5a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1g. In Article 4, the following indent 5a is added to the second paragraph: "– to develop a production process associated with quality systems," Amendment 22 ARTICLE 1, POINT –1H (new) Article 4, paragraph 2, indent 5b (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) -1h. In Article 4, the following indent 5b is added to the second paragraph: "– to develop environmentally friendly raw materials." Amendment 85 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1 Article 5, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) Where investments are made in order to comply with newly introduced minimum standards relating to the environment, hygiene, and animal welfare, support may be granted in order to comply with the new standards. In such cases, a period of grace may be provided to farmers to meet these minimum standards where time is needed to solve specific problems involved in complying with such standards. Where investments are made in order to comply with newly introduced minimum standards relating to the environment, hygiene, and animal welfare, support shall be granted in order to comply with the new standards. In such cases, a period of grace shall be provided to farmers to meet these minimum standards where time is needed to solve specific problems involved in complying with such standards. Amendment 86 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1 Article 5, paragraph 3a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) A specific support system shall be established for farms located in less-favoured areas facing structural difficulties or with low yields. Amendment 23 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1A (new) Article 7, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1a. In Article 7, the second paragraph is replaced by the following: "The total amount of support, expressed as a percentage of the volume of eligible investment, is limited to a maximum of 40% and 65% in less-favoured areas. Where investments are undertaken by young farmers, as referred to under Chapter II, these percentages may reach a maximum of 60% and 75% in less-favoured areas." Amendment 24 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1B (new) Article 8, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1, indent 3a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1b. In Article 8(1), the following indent 3a is inserted in the first paragraph: "- the farmer submits an application for support for investment in agricultural holdings within the meaning of Title II, Chapter I, of this Regulation," Amendment 25 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1C (new) Article 8, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1, indent 4, point (iia) (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1c. In Article 8(1), the following point (iia) is added to the fourth indent in the first subparagraph: "(iia) new fields of production are developed which benefit rural development," Amendment 26 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1D (new) Article 8, paragraph 2a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1d. In Article 8, the following paragraph 2a is added: "2a. Where the young farmer submits, at the same time as the application for setting-up aid, an application for support under the other measures set out in Chapters I, II, III, IV, V, V-a, Va, VI, VIa, VII, VIII and XI of Title II of this Regulation, he shall be eligible, as a matter of priority and in accordance with the maximum amounts laid down, for all those measures with a view to the establishment of a suitable package of incentives. In their rural development plans, the Member States shall guarantee the implementation of such a package of measures." Amendment 27 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1E (new) Article 8, paragraph 2b (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1e. In Article 8, the following paragraph 2b is added: "2b. However, should the young farmer undertake to carry out investments within three years following setting-up, the amount of the setting-up premium specified in the Annex may be doubled, in accordance with conditions laid down by each Member State." Amendment 28 ARTICLE 1, POINT 1F (new) Chapter II, Article 8a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1f. In Chapter II, the following Article 8a is added: "Article 8a Temporary support for the purpose of establishing a farm advisory service may be granted to young farmers who have set up on an agricultural holding for the first time. The support may be granted for a period not exceeding three years as from the setting-up date." Amendment 87 ARTICLE 1, POINT 2 Article 9, paragraph 2, indent 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) - to prepare farmers and other persons involved in agricultural activities for qualitative reorientation of production, the application of production practices compatible with the maintenance and enhancement of the landscape, the protection of the environment, hygiene standards and animal welfare and acquisition of the skills needed to enable them to manage an economically viable farm, and - to prepare farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations for qualitative reorientation of production, the application of production practices compatible with the maintenance and enhancement of the landscape, the protection of the environment, hygiene standards and animal welfare and acquisition of the skills needed to enable them to manage an economically viable farm, and Amendment 29 ARTICLE 1, POINT 2A (new) Article 13, point (a), indent 1a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 2a. In Article 13, the following indent 1a is inserted in point (a): "– to maintain and develop infrastructure and employment," Amendment 30 ARTICLE 1, POINT 2B (new) Article 14, paragraph 2, indent 1a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 2b. In Article 14(2), the following indent 1a is inserted: "– undertake to keep the landscape open and the land grazed," Amendment 31 ARTICLE 1, POINT 3 Article 16, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) (1)  Payments to compensate for costs incurred and income foregone may be made to farmers who are subject to restrictions on agricultural use in areas with environmental restrictions as a result of the implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC, if and in so far as such payments are necessary to solve the specific problems arising from the implementation of those Directives. (1)  Payments to compensate for costs incurred and income foregone shall be made to farmers who are subject to restrictions on agricultural use in areas with environmental restrictions as a result of the implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC, if and in so far as such payments are necessary to solve the specific problems arising from the implementation of those Directives. Amendment 33 ARTICLE 1, POINT 3A (new) Article 21 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 3a. Article 21 is replaced by the following: "Common objective criteria for the areas referred to in Articles 16 and 20 shall be drawn up for the whole EU. By 1 January 2004 at the latest, the Commission shall submit a proposal for a legal act defining such objective criteria." Amendment 32 ARTICLE 1, POINT 3B (new) Chapter –Va (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 3b. The following Chapter V-a is inserted after Article 21: "CHAPTER V-a SMALL FARMERS AND FAMILY FARMING Article 21-a The Commission shall, by 2006, submit a proposal for the creation of a new rural development chapter in support of women in rural areas." Amendments 34 and 35 ARTICLE 1, POINT 4 Title II, Chapter Va, Article 21a (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) Support to help farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall contribute to the following objectives: Support to help farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations to adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall contribute to the following objectives: (a) a more rapid implementation of demanding Community standards by Member States; (a) a more rapid implementation of demanding Community standards by Member States; (b) the respect of those standards by farmers; (b) the respect of those standards by farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations; (c) the use of farm advisory services by farmers, as provided for in Council Regulation (EC) No …[establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and support schemes for producers of certain crops], in assessing the performance of farm businesses and identifying improvements required with regard to the statutory management requirements as set out in that Regulation. (c) the use of farm advisory services by farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations in assessing the performance of farm businesses and identifying improvements required with regard to the statutory management requirements as set out in Council Regulation (EC) No …[establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and support schemes for producers of certain crops]. Amendments 36, 37, 38 and 39 ARTICLE 1, POINT 4 Title II, Chapter Va, Article 21b (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1.  Temporary support intended to contribute partly to costs incurred and income foregone may be granted to farmers who have to apply demanding standards based on Community legislation and newly introduced in national legislation. 1.  Temporary support intended to contribute partly to costs incurred and income foregone may be granted to farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations who have to apply demanding standards based on Community legislation and newly introduced in national legislation. 2.  Support may be granted during a period not exceeding five years from the date the standard becomes mandatory in accordance with Community legislation. To be eligible for support, the standard should impose new obligations or restrictions in farming practice which have a significant impact on typical farm operating costs and which concern a significant number of farmers within the area covered by the rural development plan. 2.  To be eligible for support, the standard should impose new obligations or restrictions in farming practice which have a significant impact on typical farm, cooperative, producer group or organisation operating costs and which concern a significant number of farmers within the area covered by the rural development plan. For Directives for which the implementation deadline has been exceeded and which are not yet correctly implemented by the Member State, support may be granted during a period not exceeding five years from [date of entry into force of this Regulation]. For Directives for which the implementation deadline has been exceeded and which are not yet correctly implemented by the Member State, no support may be granted. Nevertheless, a specific, permanent and stable compensation scheme shall be established for farms, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations located in less-favoured areas, facing structural difficulties or with low yields. 2a. Among the entities and bodies providing farm advisory services, priority shall be given to associations self-managed by farmers. 3.  Support shall not be payable where the non-application of a standard is due to the non-respect by the applicant farmer of a standard already transposed in national legislation. 3.  Support shall not be payable where the non-application of a standard is due to the non-respect by the applicant of a standard already transposed in national legislation. Amendments 40 and 41 ARTICLE 1, POINT 4 Chapter Va, Article 21d, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1.  Support may be granted to farmers to help them meet costs arising from the use of the farm advisory services which identify and where necessary, propose improvements relating to the application by farmers of statutory environmental, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety standards. 1.  Support may be granted to farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations to meet costs arising from the use of the farm advisory services which identify and, where necessary, propose improvements relating to the application by farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations of statutory environmental, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety standards. Amendment 42 ARTICLE 1, POINT 4 Chapter Va, article 21d, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 2.  Farm advisory services for which support may be granted shall be in accordance with Chapter III of Title II of Regulation (EC) No …/… [establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and support schemes for producers of certain crops] 2.  Member States shall draw up a list of farm advisory services for which support may be granted. Amendment 43 ARTICLE 1, POINT 4 Chapter V a, Article 21 d, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 3.  The total amount of support for the first use of advisory services as referred to in paragraph 1, shall be limited to a maximum of 80% of the eligible cost, without exceeding the maximum eligible amount as set out in the Annex. 3.  The total amount of support for the use of advisory services as referred to in paragraph 1 shall not exceed the eligible cost, without exceeding the maximum eligible amount as set out in the Annex. Amendment 44 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8 Chapter VIa, Article 24b, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1.  Support shall be granted to farmers who participate on a voluntary basis in Community or national food quality schemes, which impose specific production requirements on agricultural products listed in Annex I to the Treaty, except fishery products, and comply with paragraph 2 or 3. 1.  Support shall be granted to farmers, cooperatives, producer groups and organisations who participate on a voluntary basis in Community or national food quality schemes, which impose specific production requirements on agricultural products listed in Annex I to the Treaty, except fishery products, and comply with paragraph 2 or 3. Amendment 45 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8 Chapter VIa, Article 24c, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 2.  The duration of such support shall not exceed a period of five years. Deleted Amendments 46 and 47 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8 Chapter VIa, Article 24d, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1.  Support shall be granted to producer groups for activities intended to inform consumers about and promote agricultural products or foodstuffs designated under Community or national food quality schemes as described in Article 24b and selected for support by the Member State under the measure provided for in Articles 24a, 24b and 24c. 1.  Support shall be granted to producer groups, producer organisations or agricultural cooperatives recognised by the Member States in the context of the CMO for the sector or of other Community or national provisions which carry out activities intended to inform consumers about and promote agricultural products or foodstuffs designated under Community or national food quality schemes as described in Article 24b and selected for support by the Member State under the measure provided for in Articles 24a, 24b and 24c. Amendment 48 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8 Chapter VIa, Article 24d, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 3.  The total amount of support shall be limited to a maximum of 70% of the eligible costs of the action. 3.  The total amount of support shall be limited to a maximum of 85% of the eligible costs of the action. Amendment 49 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8a (new) Chapter VIb (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 8a. The following Chapter VIb is inserted after Article 24d: "CHAPTER VIIb DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS Article 24e 1.  The Commission shall promote and support the role played by agricultural producer organisations established as legal persons in accordance with national law to promote the concentration and marketing of agricultural products and agri-foodstuffs. 2.  Support shall be granted for a period of five years to cover the establishment and launching of the organisations referred to in paragraph 1." Amendment 50 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8B (new) Article 25, paragraph 2, indent –1 (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 8b. The following indent -1 is inserted in Article 25(2): "– to increase competitiveness on the world market," Amendment 51 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8C (new) Article 25, paragraph 2, indent 5a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 8c. The following indent 5a is inserted in Article 25(2): "– to promote new rural industries," Amendment 52 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8D (new) Article 26, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 8d. In Article 26, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following: "3. It is necessary to show that it is possible to find normal or develop new market outlets for the products in question." Amendment 53 ARTICLE 1, POINT 8E (new) Article 28, paragraph 2, point (a) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 8e. In Article 28(2), point (a) is replaced by the following: "(a) 65% in Objective 1 regions;" Amendment 54 ARTICLE 1, POINT 10A (NEW) Article 30, paragraph 1, indent 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 10a. In Article 30(1), the third indent is replaced by the following: "- investment to improve and rationalise the harvesting, processing and marketing of forestry products including cork; investment related to the use of wood as a raw material shall be limited to all working operations prior to industrial processing," Amendment 55 ARTICLE 1, POINT 10B (new) Article 30, paragraph 1, indent 4 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 10b. In Article 30(1), the fourth indent is replaced by the following: "- promotion of new outlets for the use and marketing of forestry products, including cork," Amendment 56 ARTICLE 1, POINT 13, POINTS (a) AND (b) Article 33, paragraph 2, indents 3 and 4 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) (-a) the first indent is replaced by the following: "- soil improvement; improvement of soil fertility by extended rotations, and particularly by legume cultivation (lucern);" (a) the third and the fourth indents are replaced by the following: (a) the third and the fourth indents are replaced by the following: "- setting up of farm advisory systems, farm relief and farm management services, "- setting up of farm advisory systems, farm relief and farm management services, - marketing of quality agricultural products, including the setting-up of quality schemes," - marketing of quality agricultural products and their identification, including the setting-up of quality schemes," (b) the following indent is added: (b) the following indents 7a and 7b are inserted: "- management of integrated rural development strategies by local partnerships." "- promotion of integrated rural development strategies by local partnerships between the public, private or voluntary sectors; - developing the capacities of players in local authorities, or non-governmental organisations, who ensure that the other measures in this Article are put into effect." Amendment 57 ARTICLE 1, POINT 13, POINT (ba) (new) Article 33, paragraph 2, indent 10a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) (ba) the following indent 10a is inserted: "- advice, development aid and other services for small businesses or community groups in villages or remote rural locations," Amendment 58 ARTICLE 1, POINT 13A (new) Chapter IX, Article 33a (new) (Regulation (EC) 1257/1999) 13a. The following Article 33a is inserted: "Article 33a 1.  For the purpose of this Article, "semi-subsistence farms" shall mean farms which primarily produce for their own consumption, but also market a proportion of their output. 2.  To benefit from the support, the farmer must present a business plan which: (a) demonstrates the future economic viability of the farm; (b) contains details of investments required; (c) describes specific milestones and targets. 3.  Compliance with the business plan referred to in paragraph 2 shall be reviewed after three years. If the objectives set out in the plan have not been achieved by the time of the three-year review, no further support shall be granted, but there will be no requirement to repay monies already received. 4.  Support shall be paid annually in the form of flat rate aid of 1000 Euro per year and farm for a period not exceeding five years." Amendment 59 ARTICLE 1, POINT 15 Article 35, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1.  Community support for early retirement (Articles 10, 11 and 12), less-favoured areas and areas with environmental restrictions (Articles 13 to 21), meeting standards (Articles 21a to 21d), agri-environment (Articles 22, 23 and 24), food quality (Articles 24a to 24d) and afforestation (Article 31) shall be financed by the EAGGF Guarantee Section throughout the Community. 1.  Community support for early retirement (Articles 10, 11 and 12), less-favoured areas and areas with environmental restrictions (Articles 13 to 21), meeting standards (Articles 21a to 21d), agri-environment (Articles 22, 23 and 24), food quality (Articles 24a to 24d) and afforestation (Article 31) shall be financed by the EAGGF Guarantee Section throughout the Community. Support for the setting-up of farms by young farmers shall also be financed by the EAGGF Guarantee Section throughout the Community from 2007 onwards. Amendment 60 ARTICLE 1, POINT 16A (new) Article 43, paragraph 2, indent 2a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 16a. In Article 43(2), the following indent 2a is added: "- provide for plans to develop non-food production, with the aim of developing environmentally friendly raw materials from agriculture," Amendment 61 ARTICLE 1, POINT 16B (new) Article 43, paragraph 2, indent 2b (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 16b. In Article 43(2), the following indent 2b is added: "- provide for quality-promotion measures throughout their territories, and in accordance with their specific needs." Amendment 62 ARTICLE 1, POINT 16C (new) Article 44, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 16c. Article 44(1) is replaced by the following: "1. Rural development plans shall be submitted not later than six months after the entry into force of this Regulation. Existing plans may be updated six months after these amendments have entered into force." Amendment 64 ARTICLE 1, POINT 16D (new) Article 47, paragraph 2, indent 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 16d. In Article 47(2), the third indent is replaced by the following: "– the Community contribution to the programming for measures laid down in Articles 22 to 24 of this Regulation shall be 85% in areas covered by Objective 1 and 60% in the other areas." Amendment 65 ARTICLE 1, POINT 16E (new) Article 47, paragraph 2, indent 3a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 16e. In Article 47(2), the following indent 3a is inserted: "– the Community contribution to the programming for measures laid down in Articles 13 to 20 shall be 75%." Amendment 66 ARTICLE 1, POINT 17 Article 51, paragraph 5 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 5.  State aid to support farmers who adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall be prohibited if it does not satisfy the conditions provided for in Articles 21a, 21b and 21c. However, additional aid exceeding the maximum amounts fixed in accordance with Article 21c may be granted to help farmers to comply with national legislation which exceeds minimum Community standards. 5.  State aid to support farmers, cooperatives, groups and producer organisations who adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall be prohibited if it does not satisfy the conditions provided for in Articles 21a, 21b and 21c. However, additional aid exceeding the maximum amounts fixed in accordance with Article 21c may be granted to help farmers, cooperatives, groups and producer producer organisations to comply with national legislation which exceeds minimum Community standards. In the absence of Community legislation, state aid to support farmers who adapt to demanding standards based on national legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall be prohibited if it does not satisfy the relevant conditions provided for in Articles 21a, 21b and 21c. Additional aid exceeding the maximum amounts fixed in accordance with Article 21c may be granted if justified under paragraph 1 of that Article. In the absence of Community legislation, state aid to support farmers, cooperatives, groups and producer organisations who adapt to demanding standards based on national legislation in the fields of the environment, public, animal and plant health, animal welfare and occupational safety shall be prohibited if it does not satisfy the relevant conditions provided for in Articles 21a, 21b and 21c. Additional aid exceeding the maximum amounts fixed in accordance with Article 21c may be granted if justified under paragraph 1 of that Article. Amendment 67 ARTICLE 2 Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000 is repealed from 1 January 2005. Deleted Amendment 68 ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 1A (new) In connection with the future financial perspective to be adopted by the budgetary authority the European Parliament shall be consulted again, so as to enable it to reconsider the provisions and assess the budgetary implications of this Regulation. Amendment 69 ANNEX Table, Article 8, paragraph 2, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 25 000 40 000 Amendment 70 ANNEX Table, Article 12, paragraph 1, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 15 000 16 500 150 000 165 000 3 500 5 000 35 000 50 000 Amendment 71 ANNEX Table, Article 15, paragraph 3, EUR column, line 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 25 125 Amendment 72 ANNEX Table, Article 15, paragraph 3, EUR column, line 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 200 300 Amendment 73 ANNEX Table, Article 16, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 200 300 Amendment 74 ANNEX Table, Article 21c, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 10 000 1 500 Amendment 75 ANNEX Table, Article 21c, fourth column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) per holding Compensatory payment EUR 1 000 per farmer per year. Amendment 76 ANNEX Table, Article 21d, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1 500 3 000 Amendment 77 ANNEX Table, Article 24, paragraph 2, Subject column, fourth row (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) Local breeds in danger of being lost to farming. Local breeds and varieties in danger of being lost to farming. Amendment 78 ANNEX Table, Article 24c, EUR column (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) 1 500 10 000 Amendment 79 ANNEX Table, Article 24c, paragraph 1 (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999) Subject EUR Holdings of up to 4 ESU 3 000 per holding Holdings of more than 4 ESU 3 000 per holding 500 per ESU

(1) Not yet published in the Official Journal.