The reforms bring the sector closer into line with the rest of the union’s reformed Common Agricultural Policy. One of the main aims of the changes is to encourage more growers to join producers organisations (POs) and to offer POs a wider range of tools for crisis management, as well as integrating the sector into the single farm payment scheme. The reform will enter into force in 2008.
“I am delighted with the outcome, which will make the sector more competitive and market-orientated and hopefully encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables,” said Fischer Boel. “I am particularly pleased that all member states gave the reform their backing. The old-fashioned production-linked payments will be replaced with decoupled payments.”
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