Farmers and red tape

30.3.2016

Question for written answer E-002535-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lefteris Christoforou (PPE)

Bureaucratic and administrative costs for agricultural controls amount to EUR 4 billion. That is provocative. That money must be given to our farmers instead of being wasted on red tape and never-ending administrative processes.

It is provocative that red tape and administrative work cost EUR 4 billion each year, which should actually go into the pockets of farmers instead. For farmers to be able to receive the funds approved by Parliament, another 50 million budgetary transactions are required in a ‘paperwork war’.

What steps does the Commission propose to take in particular with regard to the aggravating and complex regulations on cross-compliance and proportionality, which ultimately affect farmers throughout Europe? The Commission must, finally, understand that our farmers are forced to hire consultants and advisors to be able to receive what they are entitled to.

What measures does the Commission propose to take to simplify the common agricultural policy by looking immediately into measures which can be quickly implemented, as this will benefit farmers, paying agencies, the European Union’s institutions and taxpayers?