IFA demand decoupling rule change

The regulations on cross compliance, inspections and penalties under the new single farm payment system must be dramatically reduced and the excessive bureaucracy and red tape that strangled farmers under the premium system abolished, the IFA demanded yesterday.

John Dillon, president, said the IFA has made a submission to the Department of Agriculture and the EU Commission outlining proposals where inspections under the decoupling system from 2005 can be dramatically reduced.

It also seeks notice to be provided for all inspections and a tolerance or warning system introduced which will greatly reduce or eliminate penalties.