Support for cotton production
5.1.2021
Question for written answer E-000038/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Spyraki (PPE)
For the second year in a row, Greek cotton growers were paid at historically low levels for the raw material they supplied to domestic ginning mills. In the last week of 2020, the price was fixed and did not exceed the 42-cent rule, despite the international price falling to 77 cents a pound. At the same time, most analysts have identified supportive fundamentals in the international cotton market, with a decline in global production in 2020 and a steady recovery in demand. Only three countries now produce cotton in the EU, and Greece dominates the market with 80% of European production.
Given that the EU’s present policy on cotton aims to promote a competitive, sustainable and market-oriented cotton sector, while respecting its commitments to support cotton production in regions where such cultivation is important for the rural economy, can the Commission say:
- 1.What restructuring programmes were implemented in the last programming period to support cotton producers and investment in the ginning industry and what progress has been made to date?
- 2.What funding has been allocated to help Greek cotton producers and how much has been used?
- 3.Can additional funds be made available to the cotton sector to cover the losses caused by the pandemic?