Europe gives green light to early SFPs,

EU agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has given permission for member states to pay up to 50% of farmers’ 2006 single farm payments from 16 October, six weeks ahead of the normal 1 December start date.

“The decision followed requests from a number of member states following the difficult weather conditions this summer,” said a spokesman. “It will be up to the member state to decide whether or not to use this possibility.”