Farmers warned on farm payments

Farmers were warned at the Agricultural Science Association conference in Waterford yesterday they could face the loss or reduction of their single farm payment if they fail to respect environmental and other laws.

Michael Hamell of the European Commission, said CAP reform to apply from 2005 onwards removes many constraints on farmers designed in previous reforms.

Most commentators have concentrated on this aspect of reform and belatedly complained that a new burden of cross compliance will replace perceived old burdens.