Agri-food sector welcomes Phil Hogan’s bid to cut Common Agricultural Policy red tape
Mr Hogan said making life easier for farmers is a common goal. But simplification is also in the interest of national and regional administrations — less time spent on understanding, translating and implementing complex rules means a saving to the taxpayer.
A suitable balance must also be struck with the need to ensure there is also respect for the sound financial management of the CAP, he said.
One of the measures provides for preventive preliminary checks as part of the aid application process.
“This should allow national administrations to identify problems with farmers’ applications so that, even up to 35 days after the final date of submission, farmers will be allowed to make corrections without the application of any penalties.
“This measure should take away a lot of the fear and uncertainty linked to filling out forms and the fear of fines and disallowances which many farmers experience,” he said.
Another measure is a reduction in the minimum rate of on-the-spot inspections from 5% to 1%, in certain circumstances, and increased flexibility in the procedures.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said he had long advocated more proportional and risk-based controls.
He said Irish farmers will welcome the simplification of the inspection regime.
“This is a significant pro-farmer practical measure that will be strongly welcomed in Ireland,” he said.
IFA deputy president Tim O’Leary said the proposed reduced inspection rate was welcome but more needs to be done to ensure greater flexibility in the interpretation of the governing rules.
“The Commission must go further and ensure that payments are not held up for the most spurious of reasons, as seen this year with many farmers’ payments having been held up because of issues such as dual claims, over-claims and digitisation,” he said.
Copa and Cogeca, the umbrella bodies for European farmers and co-ops, also welcomed the new measures.
