Union wants self-regulation over rule book
Union president Nigel Miller reckoned there was mileage in the European Union looking at a system of self-regulation.
"The current inspection and penalty regime around schemes such as SFP and LFASS generates significant fear because relatively minor breaches can result in draconian penalties that can undermine whole farm businesses, he said.
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Hide Ad"The proposed reform of the CAP gives us the opportunity to rip up the rulebook and identify an inspection regime that is fit for purpose.
"The answer may lie in self-regulation, where an accredited audit body carries out an annual inspection covering both farm assurance and all relevant cross-compliance rules.
"Self-regulation in this manner could remove the risk of a formal inspection by the competent authority, and remove the threat of penalties being applied to support payments."