European Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan was urged to drive forward his "simplification" agenda when he visited a West Lothian farm yesterday morning.
At the request of NFU Scotland, the Commissioner visited the Dandie family at Learielaw, Broxburn, where they run a large arable farm in conjunction with a herd of beef cows and a beef finishing enterprise.
Participating in a debate on Thursday evening on EU membership, the Commissioner spoke in some detail about his commitment to cutting regulatory burden. NFUS used the farm visit to push the case that his simplification agenda must deliver meaningful change for those actively farming and crofting in Scotland today.
Speaking after the visit NFUS President Allan Bowie said: "The regulatory framework built around CAP (Common Agricultural Policy), and the fear that has built up around accidental breaches of those rules, weighs heavily on almost every farm business in Scotland.
"Commissioner Hogan has spoken passionately about his simplification agenda, changes are being introduced and we understand more positive developments are yet to be announced.
"One key element already on track is the notion of a "yellow card" system on penalties, where an unintentional breach of the rules offers the opportunity to rectify matters rather than the current heavy-handed penalty system approach - a significant step forward on proportionality. We look forward to more detail on how this approach can be taken forward.
"On regulation, the rules around the "greening" element of the new CAP are part of Commissioner Hogan's review. We not only need simplification in this area, but we also want the Commissioner to better recognise the huge environmental contribution that farming currently delivers."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 219 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1260 per head and 255.9p per kg to average £781.87 and 210.5p (+0.7p on the fortnight), while 361 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1230 and 288.2p to level at £846.43 and 228.2p (+8.3p). Eighty store, B&W bullocks sold to £865 and 171.3p to average £680 and 159.7p (+18.5p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 3046 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £103 per head and 207p per kg to average 169p (-13.7p on the week), while 387 prime lambs peaked at £120 and 267p to level at 192.6p (+9.6p).
The firm also had 3973 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £154 for Texels and averaged £73.57 (-£11.09), while light ewes peaked at £82 for Cheviots and levelled at £47.67 (-£8.63). Rams sold to £156 for a Charollais and averaged £88.92.
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