Midlands North west MEP gives cautious welcome to agriculture proposals

A Midlands North West MEP has given a cautious welcome to the European Commission's Simplification proposals. The Proposals which will now require approval by the European Commission contain a number of changes including the introduction of a single annual inspection which will cover all aspects of CAP compliance. The removal of GAEC 2 from baseline requirements is deemed to be another significant development a move which will allow farmers to receive payments where restrictions are placed on their peatland or wetland areas. Ciaran Mullooly has expressed concern however with a proposed Crisis Fund, which would be financed by a percentage of the CAP budget. A move if implemented that would force farmers to fund compensation for their fellow farmers in the event of natural disasters or market crises.