Brussels, 08/06/2016 (Agence Europe) - European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan confirmed on Wednesday 8 June that he intended to extend the period during which member states can make direct CAP (common agricultural policy) payments without any reduction in the rate of reimbursement of the aid.
This measure, in response to the difficulties being faced by a number of countries in getting support payments out to farmers, extends the deadline for direct payments to be made from 30 June to 15 October 2016. This derogation, which can be applied only at member state level, means that payments can continue to be made after 30 June without any penalties (reductions in aid) being incurred.
The normal rules stipulate reductions (applicable to authorities) of 10% with regard to payments made in July, 25% for those made in August and 45% for those made in September.
Hogan made clear that this was an “exceptional” measure that has been taken because of the difficulties encountered by some payment bodies in EU countries and regions during this first year of payment of new reformed CAP support. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)