Will the Minister confirm whether an application has been made for force majeure in relation to basic farm payments to the European Union for 2021?
Answered by Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs | Answered on 09/04/2020
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is now UK funded and enshrined in domestic legislation, therefore we cannot approach the European Commission if we wish to deviate from the EC Regulations. However, we must remain mindful the Withdrawal Agreement stipulates we must operate an equivalent scheme in 2020.
I intend consulting the farming industry later this year on proposals to simplify BPS in 2021.