Scottish Government
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Farm payment flexibility
Rural Secretary calls for Europe to increase flexibility around inspection process.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has called on the EU to allow more flexibility on farm inspections, following the decision to allow an extension to the application deadline.
Yesterday before the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting today, Mr Lochhead has asked the UK Government to ensure the issue is raised for discussion and highlighted the need for flexibility over inspections to maximise the benefits for Scottish farmers and crofters.
The Cabinet Secretary has already confirmed Scotland will extend the application period by one month, giving a new deadline of June 15, 2015 for farmers and crofters to submit their Single Application Form (SAF).
Mr Lochhead said:
“Countries across Europe are dealing with the challenges of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and in common with many, we have already said we will make use of the extension to the application deadline that is expected to be approved this week.
“That flexibility was welcome for farmers applying both online and those using the paper forms that have always been available in Scotland. However I am concerned about the lack of guidance or further information from the Commission about the consequences of this.
“We need to know what flexibilities there are around the timing and nature of Greening inspections as it will not be possible to identify farms for inspection until the SAF window has closed.
“I know that this issue has been raised with the Commission, however it’s imperative that this matter is escalated and discussed at Council and I’m sure it will have the support of many other member states as we seek clarity for our farmers and crofters and aim to make payments as quickly as possible.
“As we continue to work hard to deliver the best possible outcome we will liaise with industry representatives to ensure the views of our farmers and crofters are heard and listened to."
Notes To Editors
Mr Lochhead announced the extension to the Scottish SAF deadline on April 15, 2015:http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Farm-payment-application-extension-1849.aspx
The Cabinet Secretary has written to Liz Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the UK Government asking for the issue of greater flexibility to be raised at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on April 20, 2015.
