Simplification of the procedure for the submission of single area payment applications

4.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009171-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Daniel Buda (PPE)

Romanian farmers face difficulties when they submit applications for single area payments. The Agency for Payments and Intervention in Agriculture (APIA) has pointed out that farmers must clarify the situation of the land they hold and which has an uncertain status, and that in the event that irregularities are found with respect to the legal status, the farmers risk not receiving the grants or being subject to penalties.

Law No 18/1991 caused the fragmentation of agricultural areas and, so far, there have been many reparcelling initiatives. Agricultural land has been subject to exchanges between owners, tenants and agricultural companies and now, as a result, most areas no longer have the same coordinates that they had 24 years ago.

According to EU legislation, farmers must bring proof that they work the land that they rightfully hold, which means that each payment application must be accompanied by a volume of documents clarifying the successions, inheritances, concessions, tenancy agreements etc.

Romanian farmers propose the application of the ‘single block used’ method which would regulate the situation of agricultural areas and would reduce the current bureaucratic burden.

What is the Commission’s opinion regarding the simplification of the procedure for the submission of single area payment applications?