M. J. Nolan
Question:129 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to change the setaside regulations. [6404/95]
Written Answers. - Setaside Regulations.
Under the CAP reform of the arable crops sector, producers of cereals, oilseeds, linseed and protein crops claiming aid on more than 15.13 hectares are obliged to put at least 12 per cent of their land into set-aside in order to qualify for area payments.
In addition, where a national or regional base area is exceeded producers are required to put additional land into set-aside in the year following the year of overshoot, without any set-aside payment.
The set-aside rules are laid down in EU regulations and they apply equally to all member states. Any changes in the set-aside regulations can only be adopted by the Council of Agricultural Ministers or the EU Commission.
I am at present seeking the abolition of penalty set-aside requirement, which applies when there is a base area overshoot, in conjunction with a request for modification of the eligible land rule, which is also an element of the area payments system.