The NFU expressed relief today at the RPA announcement that it has completed its review of FVP (fruit, vegetable and potato) authorisations claimed by growers as part of their SPS applications in May 2005.
The RPA review has established that the ceiling for authorisations was reached part way through the allocation based on 2004 production. This means all valid claims based on 2003 cropping should receive an allocation based on that area and those claiming for increased or new 2004 cropping will receive a scaled-back allocation.
The legal deadline for establishing SPS entitlements, including the FVP authorisation element, was December 31 2005.
Letters confirming allocations will be sent to claimants in the New Year.
Richard Hirst, NFU horticulture board chairman, said: “I’m pleased that the RPA has finally sorted out the allocations, but furious that this has not been finalised until a year after the due date.
“Growers and their land providers have needed to know what hectarages can be planted without foregoing the single payment. The RPA’s notification letters will be too late for the many growers who have already had to firm up 2007 cropping plans, but in time for others.
“The final picture is pretty much as we expected. We had always trusted that 2003 cropping would get a full allocation. I’m pleased that at least part of the additional 2004 cropping is covered too.”
Following a consultation earlier this year, the NFU has backed the removal of restrictions on FVP production. This is being looked at within the current reform of the EU fruit and vegetable regime, due to be finalised in the first half of 2007.
No comments have been made.