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Commission Report (2002): Latvia
As required by the Action Plan, some progress was made in upgrading the
general structure including the establishment of a legal framework and
administrative structures through the implementation of Latvia`s action plan
to implement the Common Market Organisations. There was some progress in
completing preparations for enforcement and practical application of the
management mechanisms of the Common Agricultural Policy, in particular as
regards market intervention, sugar quotas and animal products. As foreseen in
the Action Plan, some further progress was made regarding preparation for the
Integrated Administration and Control System, mainly through increased staff
and intensified co-operation with the Commission, which needs however to be
speeded up; preparatory steps were taken to establish the Paying Agency. A
significant development was the accreditation of the SAPARD agency. Progress
was made regarding the implementation and enforcement of veterinary and
phytosanitary and food safety legislation, as the joint body became
operational, in line with the timetable of the Action Plan. Generally, the
administrative structures needed for the design, implementation, monitoring,
control and evaluation of EC-funded rural development programmes were
strengthened, but the Rural Development Plan still needs to be drawn up.
Veterinary and phytosanitary inspection arrangements were upgraded in terms
of establishment of data bases, computerisation and training, but special
attention needs to be paid to respecting timetables regarding the
modernisation of border inspection posts as foreseen in the Action Plan.
Regarding animal diseases, measures are being implemented, including
monitoring and testing of BSE, as required by the Action Plan. Progress was
made in establishing restructuring plans for the agri-food sector, but
modernisation of processing plants, is slow, and no progress was achieved in
the meat sector. Progress was made in setting up the control structure which
should ensure respect of EC food safety standards, but implementation and
enforcement are still to be introduced. Therefore, the Accession Partnership
priorities in the area of agriculture have been partially met. Implementation
of the measures under the Action Plan is largely on track.
© European Commission
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