Top 10 cross-compliance transgressions
Farmers could save £2.57m in SFP deductions by following correct-cross compliance procedures.
Each year around 1% of farmers subject to cross-compliance are inspected by the RPA. Those found not to have met standards may have their subsidy payment reduced.
The standard reduction for a negligent breach is 3% of payment receipts, though penalties can range from a warning letter to 5% reduction. An intentional breach carries a standard 20% deduction, though this can vary.
In 2011, 2,046 cross-compliance failures resulted in deductions of almost £2.57m from English SFP payments. The most common included:
| SMR/GAEC | Failures |
|---|---|
| Cattle identification and registration (SMR 7)* | 1,273 |
| Sheep and goats identification | 170 |
| Animal welfare (SMR 18) | 120 |
| Soil protection review (GAEC 1) | 88 |
| Protection of hedgerows and watercourses (GAEC 14) | 77 |
| Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (SMR 4) | 72 |
| Food and feed law (SMR11) | 40 |
| Control of weeds (GAEC 11) | 39 |
| Restrictions on use of plant protection products (SMR 9) | 32 |
| Public rights of way (GAEC 8) | 20 |
Read out how to guide on livestock cross compliance see the full article on cross compliance pitfalls and how to avoid them
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