Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 of 29 February 1988 on the organisation of Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings^f1, and in particular Articles 5 and 8 thereof,

Whereas:

The list of characteristics set out in Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 has to be adapted in order to follow the evolution of the agricultural sector and of the common agricultural policy.

In certain Member States, the results from the Community survey on the structure of agricultural holdings carried out in 2003 have shown that some characteristics are insignificant, and that others have gained in importance.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 of 29 September 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers and amending Regulations (EEC) No 2019/93, (EC) No 1452/2001, (EC) No 1453/2001, (EC) No 1454/2001, (EC) 1868/94, (EC) No 1251/1999, (EC) No 1254/1999, (EC) No 1673/2000, (EEC) No 2358/71 and (EC) No 2529/2001^f2 introduces the maintenance of land in good agricultural and environmental condition as an agricultural activity, which makes the revision of various definitions necessary.

Both Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 itself and the decision laying down the definitions and explanations relating to that Regulation, namely Commission Decision 2000/115/EC^f3 should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee for Agricultural Statistics established by Council Decision 72/279/EEC^f4,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: