The definition of an active farmer in Ireland could be changed from 2019, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture has told the Irish Farmers Journal.

From 2018, Ireland and other EU member states have the option to change the definition of an active farmer as a result of changes to the Omnibus regulation in the EU.

The Department may consider changing the definition of an active farmer in the future, but will not be availing of the option to change it in 2018, the spokesperson said.

The Department did not clarify if it would strengthen the term or weaken it.

Checks

Under current rules, all member states have to carry out the active farmer check, as per Article 9 of 1307/2013.

In order to receive direct payments, farmers must maintain their agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation without preparatory action that goes beyond the usual agricultural methods and machineries.

The Omnibus regulations govern how the EU budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is spent and the recently approved changes are aimed at simplifying the rules.

“The Omnibus regulation has not changed the definition of active farmer,” said a Department spokesperson.

“However, it has made it optional for member states to perform the active farmer check on applications.

“Ireland does not intend to avail of this option in 2018, but may consider it for future years,” the spokesperson added.

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