8 Conclusion
96. The Commission's aim was that the future CAP
would be greener, fairer and less bureaucratic than the past one.
The Government has the task of meeting those challenges with less
money than before and with more complicated rules to implement.
It must do so against a background of falling farm incomes and
an increase in volatility and shocks to the agricultural system.
It is crucial, therefore, that the lessons learnt from the failures
of the previous round of implementation are applied.
97. Detailed implementing regulations have still
to be drawn up. Definitions of an active farmer and the treatment
of common land are just two of many areas that await further clarification.
Defra must continue to work closely with other Member States,
the Commission and the European Parliament on the remaining detail
and consult with stakeholders as more information becomes available.
2015 is not far distant for the implementation of complex new
schemes; claimants will soon be making decisions on land occupation
and cropping arrangements. It is imperative therefore that Defra
gives early notice of its key decisions to those whose livelihoods
depend upon them.
98. English agriculture has faced many challenges
over the last decade from outbreaks of devastating animal diseases,
falling farm-gate prices and rising input costs, to the vagaries
of weather that has delivered drought, flooding and heavy snowfall.
English farmers number among the proudest workers of any industry.
It is clear that they would rather do without CAP payments, but
the simple truth is that most would not be able to survive constant
shocks to the sector without them.
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