Agri-food sector welcomes Phil Hogan’s bid to cut Common Agricultural Policy red tape

Proposals by the EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan to reduce the red tape associated with the Common Agricultural Policy have been broadly welcomed.

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.