Commission proposes to extend application deadline

The Commission has today proposed the extension of the deadline of aid applications for Direct Payments to Monday 15 June.

The extension would also apply to area-based payments in the Pillar II of the CAP.

Yesterday we reported that the deadline may be extended.

Member States now need to confirm if they will take up the extension.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, said: "I have proposed to allow Member States to extend the deadline so that farmers do not suffer the consequences of delays on the part of administrations, which are faced with the challenge of the first year of implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy. Member States can now take up this option, which should also help avoid penalties for late applications from recipients.

"It goes without saying that Member States who would decide to postpone the final date for submission of aid application should ensure that their administration and control system allow safeguarding sound financial management".

Deadlines to submit aid applications are fixed by the Member States and, under current rules, shall not be later than 15 May. The extension would apply for 2015 only and will be voluntary.

NFU comment:

"We understand Commissioner Hogan has agreed to extend the deadline for applications.

“We are working to find out more about the detailed plans and what this means for farmers.

“Our priority remains ensuring our members face no delays to payments later this year. We understand the Commissioner will discuss the issue in more detail with members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee next week. We are urging all our MEPs to raise this point with the Commissioner and seek reassurances that payments will not be delayed as a result of the extended window.”