THE European Court of Auditors has released a damning opinion on aspects of the Commission's proposals to reform the CAP.
Foremost among its concerns is that the complexity of cross-compliance continues to make it difficult for paying agencies and beneficiaries to administer.
The Court also notes that the Commission estimates the proposed reform is likely to result in an increase of 15% in the costs of administering the direct payment schemes which will be borne by member states.
On the vexed issue of "carpet-slipper farmers", it concludes the risk remains that payments may continue to be made to beneficiaries who do not exercise any agricultural activity and suggests adopting a general and simple definition of what constitutes an "active farmer".
Turning to new entrants, the Court notes the draft regulation provides for payment entitlements to be available to new farmers in 2014, but is concerned that such availability will no longer be guaranteed in subsequent years.
It also notes that the requirement to have activated payment entitlements in 2011 (or claimed support under SAPS) in order to apply for entitlements in 2014 is likely to create new barriers to entry for new farmers.
NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller said: "On first reading, this looks a really useful report which should make all interested parties, particularly the European Commission, pause and take a step back from burdening industry and governments with unnecessary complexity around the delivery and function of a reformed CAP."
The report is available online to download by visiting http://eca.europa.eu/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/13768739.PDF
l Payments for the 2011 Scottish Beef Calf Scheme will start to arrive in bank accounts from next Tuesday, when more than 7900 Scottish producers will receive their share of £22 million of European funding.
LAWRIE & Symington sold 442 store bullocks in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of 245.3p per kg and an average of 216.4p, while 363 store heifers peaked at 235.6p and levelled at 206.3p.
Craig Wilson sold 19 prime heifers at Ayr on Tuesday to a top of 220p and an average of 205.1p, while 12 prime beef-bullocks peaked at 218p (x2) and levelled at 199.7p. A prime B&W bullock sold for 150p.
In the rough ring, 72 beef cows averaged 151.3p, while 149 dairy cows levelled at 121.4p. Nine bulls averaged 155.8p.
A larger show of 16 dairy cattle were slightly cheaper on the week with Holstein heifers selling to £2200, £1850, £1780, £1750 and £1700.
The firm went on to sell 713 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £100 per head and 214.3p per kg to average 197.1p, while six prime lambs peaked at £108 and 231p.
There were also 86 cast sheep forward with ewes selling to £114 for Texels and £84 for Blackfaces.
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