The EU sugar regime: A sweet story of success

The inquiry will focus on sugar reform in the EU looking at it through the lens of the Common Agricultural Reform (CAP) package. The findings of this short inquiry will feed into discussions in Brussels about sugar reform measures.

Issues the Committee expect to cover during the short inquiry include:

• the abolition of quotas and other market management measures by 2015, and whether there is a case for a transitional period;
• the governance of inter-professional agreements;
• the impact on third country producers and potential mitigation that may be required, including why there has been variable disbursement of compensation already made available to mitigate the impact of the earlier reform; and
• the extent to which the EU price reduction has been passed on to consumers.

Commenting on the new inquiry, Lord Carter of Coles, Chair of the Committee, said:

"Now is an excellent time to take stock of where we are with EU sugar reforms, as the EU is expected to adopt its position on this issue in the autumn.

"The Committee has been concerned about progress of the 2006 reform and has already corresponded with the Commission several times to express its opinions and voice its concerns. With the decision fast approaching of what the EU’s position will be on this issue, this short inquiry will ensure that the Committee will be perfectly placed to make an informed and valid contribution to the deliberations that will be taking place in Brussels shortly."

For further information about this short inquiry, please contact us.