Answer to the question Q797—additional
information
This additional information shall be read in
relation to the answer to the question Q796.
Farmers operating in vulnerable zones under
the Nitrate Directive (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) are in fact excluded
from the agri-environment programmes, which is stated in the answer
to the question Q796. This exclusion relates to all the packages
consisting of farmers' commitments corresponding to requirements
defined for the programmes drawn up for the purpose of the Nitrate
Directive. In Poland agri-environment programmes consist of the
so-called packages which set out farmer's commitments for which
he/she receives a flat rate payment.
In practice agricultural holdings operating
in the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are excluded from the possibility
of receiving support under the package "sustainable agriculture",
which requires the drawing up of a nutrient management plan. This
exclusion results from the rules of the agri-environment programme,
which provide that only commitments going beyond mandatory standards
and requirements established by the EU or national law can be
eligible for payments.
However, in Poland's opinion this problem is
broader and certain forms of assistance for farmers in Nitrate
Vulnerable Zones should be envisaged to encourage them to take
action for the benefit of the environment under Pillar II of the
CAP. Taking into account that water management and water protection
are very important elements in the discussion on the future of
CAP it would be worthwhile to consider some measures of diverse
nature supporting local initiatives for the benefit of the environment,
including water protection. This might take the form of aid for
the creation of conditions and infrastructure for biogas production
(purchase of equipment for slurry transport, construction of fermentation
tanks and systems for electricity production), support for purchase
of special machines for slurry disposal, construction of small
sewage treatment plants.
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