THIS WAS STATED IN THE MEETING HE HAD WITH THE CANARY DELEGATION.

EU Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel met last Monday with the Canarian delegation represented by the president, Paulino Rivero, the Minister of Agriculture, Pilar Merino, and the vice-counselor, Alonso Brook.

There were three main topics addressed during the meeting.: the banana import regime in the EU, the annual modification of the POSEI-Canary Islands program to 2009 and the situation of the tomato sector.

BrusselsGood omen for the tomato

With respect to the increase in the POSEI financial file in 54 million euros for this year, The Commissioner for Agriculture was in favor of apply exceptional measures regarding tomato production in order to cushion the impact that this product has suffered as a result of pests and other adverse factors.

At the technical meeting held on Tuesday, the issue of retroactive aid for tomatoes was discussed., (although the European Commission prohibits the same), since it understands that an exception can be raised due to its problems.

Regarding aid for the transport of agricultural products, The Commissioner for Agriculture reported that the file will be unblocked immediately and will inform the Government of Spain of her authorization to pay the same..