I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 10, 12, 15, 16, 21, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44, 48, 52, 55, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 67, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79, 88, 89, 94, 100, 104, 105, 107, 114, and 117 together.
The eligible land requirement is a key element of the CAP reform arrangements for the arable sector. Its objective is to prevent an expansion of the area under cereals and other arable crops in the EU by bringing into production land which had not previously been used for this type of production. Such an expansion would have defeated one of the main objectives of the CAP reform, namely the control of surplus production. It would also have presented risks for traditional producers of these crops under the regional or national base area system, which provides for substantial penalties if these base areas are exceeded.
I am aware of the difficulties which the eligible land requirement creates for Irish cereal producers, and in particular for those dependent on conacre land. I am also concerned at the difficulties which this rule presents for the development of Irish cereal production in general, in view of the need to maintain adequate supplies of native grain to meet the feed requirements of the pig and poultry sectors.
While I would not favour any fundamental changes to the CAP reform arrangements at this stage, I am seeking the removal of the eligible land requirement in the context of the individual base area system. Under this system it would not be possible to increase the total area under arable crops, and the question of base area penalties would not arise. The EU Commission has already been notified that the removal of the eligible land rule is an essential requirement if the IBA system is to be introduced.
In relation to entitlement to IBAs, it should be noted that the CAP reform regulations make provision for a system of support for producers of arable crops. This clearly implies that entitlement to IBAs must attach to producers of these crops during the base years which establish entitlements.
I am conscious, however, of the fact that this will give rise to difficulties for some farmers who, due to domestic or financial circumstances, were out of production during the base years 1989 and 1991. For that reason I am seeking provision in the IBA rules, which will permit the establishment of a national reserve. It would be my intention to have a sufficient reserve to ensure that all genuine cases and the needs of new entrants could be satisfied. Priority categories will be established in order to ensure that this aim is achieved.