Reductions in Red Tape will have to be Seen to be Believed

ICSA President Malcolm Thompson has said that he remains sceptical that cuts in EU red tape will materialise despite the best efforts of Minister Smith. “I would need to see the red tape burnt and witness the ashes scattered in the sea before I’d believe in any cuts in EU bureaucracy,” said Mr Thompson.

“The Minister will have his work cut out for him to try and persuade Europe. The European idea of cuts in bureaucracy differs widely from our ideas and all we have to do is to look at the results that emerged the last time that Europe agreed to simplification of the CAP. Europe’s idea was to “synchronise” the REPS payment dates, do away with paltry fines on compliance, and wipe out payment of tiny entitlements. In short it cost the farmer money, with absolutely no reduction in farmer workload,” continued Mr Thompson.

“Minister Smith needs to spell out clearly what is needed, and what we are entitled to expect. These should include abolition of the herd register, reduction in the duration and frequency of inspections, cutting out duplication of inspections and scrapping the proposed EID in sheep,” concluded Mr Thompson.