MEPs plead with Fischer Boel

CONSERVATIVE MEPs Richard Ashworth and Neil Parish are seeking assurances from Brussels that British farmers will not be penalised for late SFP applications.

In an urgent written question to agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel, the MEPs explained that the government has failed to send out many forms, even though the regulations say they should be with farmers by Apr 15 at the latest.

“Given the complexity and length of these forms, producers need this time to get the details right, particularly in the first year when right to entitlements for the future is established,” they say.

The question then asks for extra time to take account of these delays.

“We want farmers in the UK to know that Mrs Fischer Boel is aware of the situation, and we are putting pressure on her to ensure we get the answers we want,” said Mr Ashworth.