Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community;

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1952/2005 of 23 November 2005 concerning the common organisation of the market in hops and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 1696/71, (EEC) No 1037/72, (EEC) No 879/73 and (EEC) No 1981/82^f1, and in particular Article 17 thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1351/72 of 28 June 1972 on the recognition of producer groups for hops^f2 has been substantially amended several times^f3. In the interests of clarity and rationality the said Regulation should be codified.

The conditions laid down in Article 7(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1952/2005 for the recognition of producer groups for hops include, in particular, the application of common rules for production and placing on the market at the first stage of marketing in addition to proof of economically viable activity. Those conditions must be specified.

In order to ensure a certain uniformity in administrative procedure, detailed rules should be laid down for the application, granting and withdrawal of recognition.

For the information of Member States and parties concerned, a list should be published at the beginning of each calendar year, of groups which were recognised during the previous calendar year and of those from whom recognition was withdrawn.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the Opinion of the Management Committee for hops,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: