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1 in 3 farmers inspected were
landed with penalties in 2016
29.09.17
FIANNA Fáil Agriculture
Spokesperson Charlie McConologue has called on
Minister Creed to carry out an immediate review of
the current inspections regime.
New figures releases to Deputy McConalogue reveal
that 33% of farmers inspected for cross compliance
last year were hit with penalties. This is an
increase of over 40% compared to 2010 figures.
To view 2010 &
2016 figures click here . |
There has also been a
large fall-off in the number of farmers who were
clear of any cross compliance breaches. In 2010, 71%
of farmers were clear compared with just 39% in
2016.
Deputy McConalogue commented, “It is becoming
increasingly clear that the rise in the number and
complexity of CAP schemes, more and more penalties
are being applied to farmers.
“Farmers are doing everything within their power to
comply with increasingly complex and bureaucratic
requirements to draw down payments, and many now
view the inspections regime as unfair, and claim
that it is resulting in disproportionate penalties. |
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Deputy Charlie McConalogue. |
“I don’t believe that
penalties should be placed on farmers
retrospectively unless intentional fraud is
suspected. Where genuine errors occur or where
simple non-compliance issues arise, farmers should
be given a warning and an opportunity to address the
error without the threat of penalties.
“A long overdue review of the Agriculture Appeals
Office has been announced by the Government. It is
vital that these latest statistics are discussed
with all farmer stakeholders with a view to ensure
there is a fair inspection and appeals system in
place”. |
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