Cross-compliance inspections for 2017 are starting. This year there will be additional administrative penalties for farmers who have a significant shortfall on greening area. This applies on arable land and areas designated as environmentally sensitive grassland. The EU gave a waiver on these penalties in 2015 and 2016.

Friday 9 June is the deadline for making a late application for Basic Payment – subject to penalties. The deadline for amending an application without penalty was 31 May. Officials advise any farmer discovering an error – even after that deadline – to notify the Department. Treatment will be more favourable than if the problem emerges in a check or inspection.

Errors can emerge where a farmer talks to a planner about GLAS or a new farm building.

Missing cattle tags will again trigger penalties in 2017. Farmers should bear in mind that, if penalised, they are more likely to be inspected again under risk analysis rules. A farmer who is penalised once should therefore make every effort to be compliant in future – penalties for repeat offences can be very severe.