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FUW younger voice for farming committee chairman Darren Williams (l) highlighted CAP concerns to EU Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan (r) in July[/caption]
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Darren Williams highlighted key elements that need simplifying during a farm visit with Commissioner Phil Hogan over the summer[/caption]
The Farmers’ Union of Wales has welcomed moves announced by EU Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan aimed at simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy and reducing red tape for farmers and administrations.
The announcement, made by the Commissioner at the Council of Ministers meeting held on Tuesday November 17, includes the introduction in 2016 of preventive preliminary checks as part of the Basic Payment application process and a more proportionate approach to on-the-spot checks. However, the Commissioner also outlined further simplification measures which would be drawn up in 2016.
Speaking after the announcement, FUW president Glyn Roberts said: “Despite a previous EU commitment to simplifying the new CAP, the rules have become even more burdensome in the last year.
“As such, we welcome the changes and commitments announced by Commissioner Hogan, key elements of which have been called for repeatedly by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, including in response to the Commissioner’s call for suggestions earlier this year.”
Mr Roberts said many farmers would be frustrated at the rate at which such changes were likely to be introduced and how these would be interpreted by the Welsh Government.
“However, Mr Hogan’s commitment to continuing to work on simplification, rather than making a ‘big bang’ announcement then closing the door is welcome.”
The announcement included:
• Allowing administrations to identify problems with Basic Payment applications so that even up to 35 days after the final date of submission corrections can be made without the application of penalties
• Under certain circumstances, allowing administrations to target on-the-spot checks to where they will have greatest effect in order to reduce the burden for farmers and administrations alike
• Providing farmers with further possibilities in terms of modifying their declarations regarding the use of agricultural parcels for the purpose of BPS greening requirements
• A commitment to consider how the penalty system can be adjusted to ensure penalty levels are not disproportionate and accurately reflect the seriousness or otherwise of any breach of scheme rules while maintaining sound financial management of budgets
“We look forward to further announcements over the coming months in line with those priority areas identified by the FUW,” added Mr Roberts.