CAP rules simplification is ‘top priority’

Simplification of much-criticised CAP rules will be a priority as the Netherlands takes over the presidency of the European Union council.

The Dutch presidency, which runs from 1 January to 30 June, will examine the effect of recently introduced CAP rules on farmers with a view to the further reform of the CAP after 2020.

Other priorities published in a programme by Netherlands include moves to reduce food waste, tackle antimicrobial resistance, and rebalance patent law and plant breeding rights.

“The Netherlands presidency will also urge the commission to take action in the shorter term to simplify the CAP to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burden on farmers,” says the document.

See also: Brussels seeks rules on CAP greening rules

CAP rules requiring farmers to establish ecological focus areas, grow a minimum number of crops and maintain areas of permanent pasture have been much criticised.

European farm commissioner Phil Hogan has already made it one of his main objectives over the next few years to reduce the administrative burden on agriculture.

Speaking at this month’s Oxford Farming Conference, Mr Hogan said: “I am aware that the greening measures introduced in the last round of CAP reform are not universally popular.”

Calling on the UK government and British farmers to make submissions to the simplification process, Mr Hogan said he was already listening to stakeholders’ concerns.

In recent months, Brussels had increased flexibility in mapping requirements for ecological focus areas and extended the deadline for basic payment applications, he said.

Mr Hogan said he had also announced a reduction in the number of on-the-spot checks and the possibility of modifying parcel declarations for greening after submission.

“The next round of CAP simplification will see 200 existing EU regulations reduced to 40-50, cutting red tape for farmers, operators and national administrations alike.”