Activities of James NICHOLSON related to 2009/2156(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Agriculture in areas with natural handicaps: A special health check (short presentation)
Amendments (6)
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that the eight biophysical criteria proposed by the Commission may be suitable for delimiting areas with natural handicaps to a degree;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out, however, that the proposed eight criteria do not adequately recognise the problems posed by farming in cool, wet and maritime conditions; urges the Commission, therefore, to consider introducing additional criteria for the designation of areas with natural handicaps which would accurately reflect the relationship between soil moisture levels and climate;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses, however, that in order to apply these criteria and establish realistic threshold values in practice, it is essential that the necessary biophysical data are available to the Member States and regions with a sufficient degree of accuracy in relation to the natural environment; supports, therefore, the test of practical application of the proposed criteria introduced by the Commission; calls for the detailed maps that are to be submitted by the Member States to be used if necessary to adapt the criteria and the proposed threshold value of 66% at Member State or regional level (to the reality in terms of the natural environment);
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that a final opinion on the criteria and threshold values proposed by the Commission can only be given when the detailed maps drawn up by the Member States or regions are available;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers fine-tuning of the criteria for support for areas with natural handicaps to be necessary in order to be able to respond appropriately to particular geographical situations and crops grown and to exclude areas in which natural handicaps have been offset by human intervention; proposes that farm data (such as farm income) may be used inter alia for this purpose; emphasises, however, that the decision on the criteria to be used for fine-tuning must lie with the Member States or regions;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the responsibility of the Member States and regions in connection with the objective designation of areas with natural handicaps and the formulation of balanced programmes for rural development; stresses at the same time the need for notification and approval of these national or regional decisions by the Commission;