Press Release: ‘Simply farming’: Commission proposes to cut red tape for 500,000 small farmers

On 18.12.00 the European Commission adopted a proposal that will greatly simplify the system of applying for and paying aids to small farmers. Over 20% of EU farmers could benefit from less paperwork. This proposal forms part of the Commission's drive to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It offers the option for farmers who receive small amounts of direct aid (maximum of 1 000 euros) to benefit from a simplified scheme. The scheme would be introduced over a trial period to run from 2002-2005. The scheme should also minimise administration for national authorities responsible for paying and controlling aids. While simplifying the conditions for receiving aid, there should be no weakening of the efficiency of control systems to protect taxpayer's money.