EC Farm Penalties Increased

Farmers who fail to comply with European Commission directives are to face harsher punishments.

The Stormont Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew announced today that the cross-compliance penalty system has to be tightened up.

"I recognise that this is not good news for farmers, but European Commission auditors have ruled that the current system of applying penalties is too lenient.

"We have looked at the fairest way of implementing these penalties for the small number of farmers who, each year, do not meet the cross-compliance requirements.

"I have had to balance the impact of the increase in penalty levels against the risk of EU disallowance," she said.

"As EU disallowance reduces the level of funds available to government, it affects all farmers and rural dwellers. In these circumstances, I have no option but to comply with the Commission's ruling and increase the penalties from this year," she explained.

The Minister continued: "I would strongly encourage farmers to make sure that they comply with all the cross-compliance elements that are relevant to their business," she said, highlighting, in particular, the Nitrates and Cattle Identification, Registration and Movement requirements.

"Our experiences to date suggest that it is in these areas that most non-compliance is found," she continued.

"My Department provides help and support on cross-compliance through the Farm Advisory Service and, in addition, I have asked for details of the revised penalty system to be made available on the Department's internet site.

"I am also aware of the importance that farmers place on being personally present at animal related inspections and the pressure that this adds, especially for those who have other responsibilities outside their farms.

"I have asked my officials to consider how cattle inspections at a whole herd level are organised to see if the arrangements for these can be improved."

The cross-compliance requirements cover a range of Statutory Management Requirements (relating to the environment, public, animal and plant health and animal welfare) and Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) measures.

(BMcC/KMcA)