NORTH EAST MEP PROVIDES ANSWERS FOR FARMERS ON CRUCIAL SUBSIDY ISSUE (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

NORTH EAST MEP PROVIDES ANSWERS FOR FARMERS ON CRUCIAL SUBSIDY ISSUE

January 12, 2005 12:00 AM

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East, has pressed the European Commission for clarification of the term 'other herbaceous forage', as used in the EU regulations governing the CAP Single Farm Payment scheme.

Following widespread confusion amongst farmers in the North East, and an unclear response from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs following a written question from Rt. Hon. Alan Beith, MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, Ms. Hall has now received a definitive answer which will end the uncertainty.

Following the written reply to Ms. Hall's question, she commented:

'The Commission have acknowledged that there was a problem with the interpretation of the term 'herbaceous forage', and they have conceded that an amendment will have to be made to the definition of permanent pastures.

'They hope that the term "grasses and other herbaceous forage" will make it clear that they are referring to all herbaceous plants traditionally found in natural pastures or normally included in mixtures of seeds for pastures or meadows.

'This additional definition would clearly exclude fodder crops such as maize from the definition of permanent pastures, and make it easier for farmers in the region to understand the requirements of cross compliance.

'I am pleased that I have been able to gain clarification on this issue, and I hope that farmers in the North East will now find the implementation of these new EU regulations more manageable.'

Ms. Hall's colleague in Westminster, Rt. Hon. Alan Beith MP, commented:

'Following constituents queries, I raised this with Fiona and also the Secretary of State at DEFRA. I am pleased that Fiona has been able to pin down a definition from the Commission, because farmers need to know how these technical definitions apply in order to make plans for their land.'