Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organisation of the markets in processed fruit and vegetable products^f1, and in particular Article 6(1) thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2319/89 of 28 July 1989 laying down minimum quality requirements for Williams and Rocha pears in syrup and/or in natural fruit juice under the production aid scheme^f2 has been substantially amended^f3. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Regulation should be codified.

The first paragraph of Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 established a production aid scheme for certain products listed in Annex I thereto.

The aim of the minimum quality requirements to be established is to avoid production of products for which there is no demand or products which would create distortion of the market. The requirements must be based on traditional fair manufacturing procedures.

The quality requirements laid down in this Regulation constitute additional rules of application further to the provisions of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1535/2003 of 29 August 2003 laying down detailed rules for applying Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 as regards the aid scheme for products processed from fruit and vegetables^f4.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Products Processed from Fruit and Vegetables,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: