§ Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to encourage farmers to adopt more environmentally sustainable farming practices. [126296]
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§ Alun MichaelThe RPA very much regrets the delays in making bovine payments for 2002. The main reason was the introduction by the European Commission of revised rules for calculating aggregated penalties across the bovine schemes. This change has caused difficulties for member states and the Commission recognised this by accepting that payments could be made this year up to 31 July rather than 30 June.
The RPA is making every effort to make as many payments as possibly by 31 July. The RPA will consider whether compensation payments for the delay may be appropriate for payments made after that date.
§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much money is due in outstanding payments for(a) beef special premium and (b) slaughter premium for (i) 2001 and (ii) 2002; and when she expects such payments to be made. [126266]
§ Alun MichaelThe information is given in the table.
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government are committed to encouraging more environmentally sustainable farming. I refer my hon. Friend to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, made on 26 June 2003, regarding the progress made in this area in the reform of the CAP. Our existing agri-environment schemes (ESA and CSS) have made a significant impact since first introduced, but we want to do more. In addition to reviewing the current schemes, we are currently piloting an 'Entry Level' Scheme that will be available to all farmers across the country from 2005.