Union wants self-regulation over rule book

NFU Scotland has this week continued its search for a fairer system that would avoid the hefty penalties that currently arise from relatively minor rule breaches in schemes such as the single farm payment, less favoured areas support scheme and the Scottish beef calf scheme.

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.

"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."