Mr. Colm Hayes:

On a general point, our view currently is that the definition of active or genuine farmer in the regulations is not to our satisfaction. It is something on which we are active. It is because of the reasons outlined by the Chairman, namely, the effects a definition can have on the many varieties and types of farmers out there, that it needs to be carefully considered. Until we start to see a change in the regulations, I do not think we can go one way or the other but we want to keep as many farmers who are farming in production and we realise the importance of the CAP supports for them.

Everybody wants to see simplification. We want to see it for ourselves as well. There is a general thrust in the regulations, as Commissioner Hogan outlined, to give greater flexibility to member states post 2020 to permit them to adjust CAP measures to local realities. That is something we certainly support. What will farmers notice in terms of changes next time around? In respect of controls, I think they will notice that there will be a greater use of technology. There will be more satellite-based controls because that technology is improving all the time. It will not do away completely with physical checks but it should mean some adjustment. We are promised that there will be more subsidiarity for member states to develop schemes and measures and the associated controls and penalties that go with them. I am sure that the Commissioners on the behalf of taxpayers and us on behalf of the Commission will not get off the pitch completely when it comes to controls because, obviously, we have to account for the vast sums of money that go into it. It is something that is being driven as a general principle. One important point is that we do not want to see a complete re-nationalisation of the CAP, which could be the effect of excessive subsidiarity.

It is important to us that farmers generally are operating to a common policy. Otherwise, the common policy loses its meaning. I do not think we want our farmers to be at any competitive disadvantage to other member states. A lot of this is in the detail, which has to be worked out.