The actions also included obtaining EU agreement to allow an increase of up to 30% in beef export refunds to assist the beef industry in agreeing contracts for exports to Egypt, securing EU approval to have the advance payments under the bovine premium schemes increased from 60% to 80% this year, obtaining EU agreement to make an advance payment of 50% under the arable aid scheme on 16 October, which is one month ahead of the normal payment date, making administrative changes to simplify the rural environment protection scheme, making changes to reduce the paper work for farmers in applying for the 2003 extensification premia, and introducing improvements to the farm assist scheme.