Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

In 2007, the Commission issued emergency measures to control the entry and spread in the EU of red palm weevil (RPW). (Decision 2007/365/EC(1)). In 2010 the Commission amended this decision, providing stricter measures.

According to this legislation, susceptible plants originating in third countries where the organism is known to occur, shall have been growing under specific conditions, during a period of at least one year prior to export, to ensure that no signs of RPW have been observed. In addition, during a period of at least one year prior to the movement within the EU, susceptible plants are placed within a Member State in a site with complete physical protection against the introduction of RPW. Official inspections are carried out at least every three months within this site. Furthermore, a dedicated research project is funded from Framework Programme 7, for early detection, eradication, control and containment of RPW.

As regards financial support, under the Union plant-health regime established by Council Directive 2000/29/EC(2), there is currently no legislation implemented to compensate producers affected by plant harmful organisms.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005(3) foresees support for restoring the agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters, although this measure is currently not included in the Rural Development Program of Valencia.

When palm plants are grown within an agricultural activity, the CAP legislation on direct payments allows Member States to finance risk management measures through insurance or mutual funds (Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009(4)). Such measures are not implemented in Spain.