WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2614/97 by Marjo MATIKAINEN-KALLSTRÖM to the Commission. Wood chippings as biofuel
3. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 102/73 (98/C 102/107) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2611/97 by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Organic farming practices Does the Commission recognize that at present the proposed organic livestock regulation is causing great concern for many organic farmers who are undertaking a conversion to organic farming practices and those wishing to convert? The proposals will prohibit farmers from rearing the same species organically and conventionally on a single holding. Does the Commission recognize that this policy will impede the expansion of organic farming throughout the EU? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (3 October 1997) The Commission proposal (1) for a Council regulation supplementing Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs (2) to include livestock production, includes a provision prohibiting the rearing of the same livestock species on the conventional and organic units of the same holding. This provision is coherent with a similar provision for crop products in Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91, as adopted in 1991, and is essential to ensure credibility of organic husbandry to the consumer. In the opinion delivered in its session of May 1997, the Parliament accepted the Commissionís proposal on this subject and did not propose any amendment. (1) COM(96) 366. (2) OJ L 198, 22. 7. 1991. (98/C 102/108) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2614/97 by Marjo Matikainen-Kallstro¤m (PPE) to the Commission (1 September 1997) Subject: Wood chippings as biofuel In Finland a comparative study has been carried out on the relative prices of biofuels and heavy fuel oil and the regional economic effects of their use. The study arose in connection with the planned construction of a 5 MW district heating plant in which heat would be produced using forest wood chippings instead of heavy heating oil. According to the study, the arguments in favour of the use of wood chippings as biofuel are its environmental compatibility and its local provenance. The production of wood chippings employs local people not only directly but also indirectly through transport and other services. In the light of the experience gained in Finland, what kinds of programmes does the EU have to support the construction of heating plants of this kind burning biofuel, and what additional measures does the Commission propose to take to support job-creating and environmentally acceptable projects in this field? Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (14 October 1997) A distinction may be drawn between various types of support for facilities using biomass (including wood chippings) as their raw material