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More than 2,500 farmers lost some or all of their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) money last year for breaching cross-compliance rules.
Figures obtained by the Irish Farmers Journal show that almost 60% of farmers inspected fell foul of one or more cross-compliance rules in 2016.
More than half of those, 2,533 farmers, were forced to pay a penalty from their BPS.
While most farmers received penalties in the lowest range of 1% to 5%, some 62 farmers lost their entire BPS payments last year for repeated and serious breaches. The number of 100% penalties has quadrupled since 2010.
The high number of farmers affected by penalties is concerning
The most common cross-compliance problems found on farms include nitrates and water issues, cattle and sheep tagging and passport issues, poaching, animal welfare breaches and pesticide problems.
Fewer farms have been getting the all-clear on inspection in recent years. In 2010, 71% of farms inspected had no problems but this fell to 39% clear in 2016.
Some 7,645 cross-compliance inspections were carried out last year, down from the 8,067 inspections in 2015.
Almost one in seven farmers were fined because of land eligibility issues last year. More than 1,000 farmers paid almost €220,000 in penalties after being inspected either in person or by satellite.
Concern
“The high number of farmers affected by penalties is concerning,” said Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesman Charlie McConalogue. “It is crucial to see a fair and proportionate approach taken by the Department in relation to applying penalties.
“Farm incomes are under pressure and farmers work hard to meet the requirements. A yellow card system would allow farmers to address any issues that are found and avoid penalties.
“No penalties should be placed on farmers retrospectively unless intentional fraud is suspected.”
More than 2,500 farmers fined under cross-compliance last year
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