Simplifying farm rules will be a top priority in EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan's work programme for 2015, he told MEPs this week.

Addressing the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, Hogan said that while he is committed to delivering changes by the end of next year, simplification "won't happen overnight". He suggested that "a a constant flow of smaller & larger actions aimed at

making the lives of farmers & other operators easier" would be needed.

Commissioner Hogan said: “Simpler rules will make for greater competitiveness and will enhance the job-creating potential of agriculture, rural areas and agricultural trade.” His comments come as the Commission’s DG AGRI begins a review of all farm rules to identify elements that could be made simpler.

Among his plans for change, Hogan said they should "seize the opportunity" to simplify the other rules of the new direct payments regime, "provided that we do no re-open the basic policy decision of the 2013 reform." Hogan also mentioned revising over 200 regulations implementing the Common Market Organisation as well as laws for foods with protected names.

Commissioner Hogan also noted the importance of improving farmers’ access to finance, particularly young farmers and said he would “remain vigilant” on the impacts of Russia’s food import embargo. He also said he would consider the introduction of new rules to ensure a fair balance of bargaining power along the food supply chain.