Excess bureaucracy has been highlighted as a major obstacle preventing the current CAP from delivering on its targets.

Greening rules were singled out as being the most burdensome and complex element of the CAP, which is limiting the effect it can have in meeting environmental targets.

The current CAP relies on detailed requirements at EU level, and features tight controls, penalties and audit arrangements. These rules are often very prescriptive, down to farm level.

In an effort to simplify the CAP, the Commission has proposed that the European Union should set out the basic policy parameters like the CAP objectives, broad types of intervention and basic requirements.

However each member state would have more freedom to develop their own schemes and measures to meet the EU targets.

Individual member states would have a greater say in designing the compliance rules and setting the controls and penalties.

Read more

Government regulation is the number one cause of stress for farmers