Introductory text

THE COMMISION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs^f1, and in particular the second indent of Article 13 thereof,

Whereas:

The authorisation to use metaldehyde in organic farming provided for in part B of Annex II to Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 expired on 31 March 2006.

Several Member States have indicated that organic farmers on their territory do not have any viable alternative to the use of metaldehyde for controlling molluscs in certain arable crops.

It is therefore considered necessary to reintroduce for a limited period of time the authorisation to use metaldehyde, while awaiting the results of research for new methods to control molluscs and an increased availability of alternative substances.

Annex II to Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee set up by Article 14 of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: