MEPs VOTE FOR SIMPLIFIED CROSS-COMPLIANCE OF CAP AID

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 11th Dec 2007

Today the European Parliament adopted a report by the Liberal group stressing that the system by which EU farm aid payments are tied to certain conditions should be made simpler and more flexible.

The overhaul in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in 2003 tied the granting of EU agricultural aid to compliance with criteria including environmental protection, maintaining land in good agricultural condition, animal welfare and food safety. In practice, this system is placing considerable burdens on both farmers and national authorities.

Liz Lynne MEP, Liberal Democrat Joint Spokesperson for Agriculture said:

"Cross Compliance establishes a direct link between support to farmers and the services they render to society. In the Health Check of the CAP we have to ensure that payments and services are better aligned with each other."

Since most of the infractions of the legislation concern minor cases which could easily be corrected on site, the EP pleads for a more flexible approach in these cases. This will also reduce bureaucracy.

Liz Lynne continued:

"Controls have to be done in the most efficient way, while making sure the burden on farmers is as small as possible. It is unfair that in some cases farmers are being punished twice for the same offence."

Finally, the European Parliament urges the Commission to review all legislation falling under the scope of Cross Compliance, in particular the nitrates directive.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Link to the report: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/file.jsp?id=5522032