7The first subparagraph of Article L.554-1 of the Rural Code states that ‘[t]hose economic agricultural committees having sufficient experience in certain areas may ask the competent administrative authority that the rules accepted by their members laid down in Article 15b(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 of the Council of 18 May 1972 on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables be made compulsory for farmers established in one or more economic areas within their region’.