Gay Mitchell
Ceist:179 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the statutory management requirements under the mid-term review agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25482/03]
Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.
The position is that article 3 of the Council regulation governing the Agenda 2000 mid-term review agreement provides that farmers in receipt of the single payment scheme must respect certain statutory management requirements set out in Annex 111 to the regulation. Compliance with the statutory management requirements are being phased in with effect from 1 January 2005 and with certain statutory management requirements in the areas of environment, public and animal health identification and registration of animals applicable from that date. Further statutory management requirements in the areas of public, animal and plant health are applicable from 1 January 2006 and statutory management requirements in the areas of animal welfare are applicable from 1 January 2007. In addition, with effect from 1 January 2005, farmers participating in the single payment scheme must maintain their land in good agricultural and environmental condition.