6. 11. 93 Official fournal of the European Communities No L 274/5 COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 3063/93 of 5§ November 1993 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 with regard to the aid scheme for the production of honey of specific quality THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 of 19 July 1993 introducing specific measures for the smaller Aegean islands concerning certain agricultural products ('), and in particular Article 12 (4) thereof, Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3813/92 of 28 December 1992 on the unit of account and the conversion rates to be applied for the purposes of the ~ common agricultural policy (2), and in particular Article 6 thereof, Whereas Article 12 of Regulation (EEC) No 2019/93 provides for aid to be granted to the smaller Aegean islands for the production of quality honey containing a large proportion of thyme honey ; whereas detailed rules must be laid down for managing this scheme and for monitoring the conditions laid down by the Community ; Whereas, in order to encourage honey producers grouped in organizations as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1360/78 of 19 June 1978 on producer groups and associations thereof (’), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 746/93 (), to improve their marketing systems in order to comply with market requirements and to promote quality products, the granting of aid is condi- tional on the implementtion of an annual initiative programme subject to approval by the national authority designated by Greece ; whereas, in order to meet these objectives, the programme should seek, on the one hand, to achieve genetic improvements, the conversion of hives, the introduction of mechanization and vocational training for beekeepers in new production techniques and, on the other, to accomplish market studies, research into new packaging methods and trade fair promotions ; Whereas such rules should also cover determination of the periods in which aid may be applied for, the minimum information to be contained in such applica- tions, the periods of assessment and payment of the aid by the competent authority, and notification to the Commission of the aid paid; whereas these provisions should include the necessary checks to ensure the correct () OJ No L 184, 27. 7. 1993, p. 1. () O No L 387, 31. 12. 1992, p. 1. () O] No L 166, 23. 6. 1978, p. 1. () OJ No L 77, 31. 3. 1993, p. 14. application of this aid scheme and specify the action to be taken in the event of the non-observance of these rules ; Whereas, with a view to the implementation of this aid scheme, derogations should be made concerning the dates in respect of applications for and payment of aid for 1993 production ; Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Eggs, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION : Article 1 Aid for the production of quality honey specific to the smaller Aegean islands, containing a large proportion of thyme honey be granted to groups of honey producers recognized under Regulation (EEC) No 1360/78 who undertake annual programmes of initiatives to improve the conditions under which quality honey is marketed and promoted. However, up to the end of 1994, the aid shall be paid also to all bee-keepers who have in production at least 10 fixed hives registered with the competent authority. Article 2 1. The programme of initiatives shall have the follo- wing objectives : — improvement of marketing through the introduction of technology, the use of machinery for extraction, purification and filtration, and vocational training, — maintenance of yield by the replacement of ageing queens at two-yearly intervals by hybrids suited to the zone, — promotion of sales of quality honey thorugh market studies, the development of new packaging methods and the organization of, and participation in, trade fairs and other trade events. 2. The programmes shall be submitted by the groups of honey producers to the competent authority for approval. The competent authority shall decide, within two months of the submission of the programmes, whether to approve or to reject them, after having requested any changes which it considers necessary.