Consultation launched on common agricultural policy fruit and vegetable reform

A new consultation has been announced seeking views on the possible allocation of Single Farm Payment Scheme funding to horticulture producers.

The consultation which runs from 18 October to 7 December 2007 is seeking the views of stakeholders on the possible allocation of new entitlements/reference amounts under the Single Farm Payment (SFP) Scheme to fruit, vegetable, potato, orchard and nursery stock producers in Northern Ireland. As there will be no extra budgetary provision, any decision to allocate new entitlements to horticultural growers in Northern Ireland will almost certainly require the scaling back of all existing SFP payments.

Reforms to the EU fruit and vegetable regime were agreed by the EU Council of Ministers on 12 June 2007, which will integrate this sector fully into the SFP Scheme. Decisions on the possible allocation of new entitlements/reference amounts as a result of these reforms have been left to EU Member States and regions within them. This consultation addresses this question and a number of related issues such as the objective criteria to be used in calculating any entitlements to be allocated; the timing of allocations; and hardship provisions.

This consultation is limited to Northern Ireland but separate consultation exercises are taking place across the UK. The consultation document will be accessible online from 18 October at Fruit and vegetable consultation

The final deadline for replies is 7 December 2007.

Notes to Editors:

1. Hard copies of the consultation document and copies in other formats, eg large print, Braille disc, audiocassette and other languages, can also be obtained from:

2. Responses should be made to Joe O’Reilly at the above address. The deadline for replies to the consultation is 7 December 2007

3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office. Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.