Last chance to submit red tape woes

Red tape Tsar Richard Macdonald has made a final plea to farmers to have their say on over-regulation before DEFRA’s consultation period closes on 31 October.

Mr Macdonald said producers should grab the chance to help persuade ministers to cut out unnecessary, prescriptive and costly regulations, allowing their businesses to compete more effectively.

Submissions would help shape a report containing recommendations to streamline regulations due to go before ministers next April.

“Our report will only be as good as the evidence we get,” he said. “We don’t know all the issues that farmers are having, so let’s hear them.”

More than 100 farmers have responded to the consultation since its launch in August.

The taskforce has also held a series of national workshops to gather industry-wide feedback on the red tape burden and explore how farms and businesses could be treated with a lighter touch.

“So far it’s going really well. Our philosophy is to exhaust what the industry has to say on this,” Mr Macdonald said.

“The last thing we want is to sit down after the consultation has closed and found we haven’t covered something important.”

Livestock movements had drawn most comment, particularly the six-day rule. “People are saying it is disproportionate, and that improvements in traceability mean there are better ways of doing it.”

Cross compliance, dairy and meat hygiene regulations, and nitrate vulnerable zones were other key areas of concern.

“A lot of people are pretty cynical about how much difference they can make,” Mr Macdonald said. “Ministers may not accept all of our conclusions, but let’s give it our best shot while we have the chance.”

How to have your say
• You can submit your suggestions of the red tape you would like to see ripped up here.
• You can also write to: Task Force on Farming Regulation Area, 8D Millbank, DEFRA, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
• Alternatively you can post your suggestions on the Farmers Weekly forums or send us a letter
• You have until Sunday 31 October to get in touch