I propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
The following table presents the requested information. All data is based on an estimate of the national average value of entitlements in 2015 and cannot be confirmed until all eligible land for 2015 is declared and verified. The estimated payment attributed to each farmer in 2015 is based on the entitlements held by the farmer under the Basic Payment Scheme plus the payment the farmer will receive under Greening.
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National Summary
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Number of Farmers
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Number of farmers whose payment (including greening) is less than €5000 in 20 15
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54,435
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Number of farmers whose payment in 2015 is less than €5000 but whose payment per hectare is greater than the estimated national average unit value per hectare (€249 including greening)
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13,862
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Number of farmers whose payment in 2015 is greater than €5000 and whose payment per hectare is less than the estimated national average unit value per hectare (€249 including greening)
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26,028
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Convergence is a fundamental principle of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy as those with low value entitlements will have their value converged upwards over the period of the Scheme while those with high value entitlements will see a reduction in their value. Under this process, all entitlements will reach a minimum of 60% of the national average value of entitlements by 2019.
EU Regulations governing the calculation of entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme do not provide for exemptions from the revised payment arrangements.
