Farmers fined £2m for EU breaches

Farm inspections revealed more than 2,046 breaches of “cross compliance rules”– the requirement to keep land in good agricultural and environmental condition – resulting in reductions to their direct payments, according to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

Figures released show the total number of failures found in 2011 had increased on 2010. The highest numbers of breaches were among cattle keepers for failing to report the deaths or movements of their animals.

Across all agricultural sectors, but particularly for cattle and sheep farmers, failure to keep adequate records was a major cause.

RPA operations director Paul Caldwell said: “The key risk areas are highlighted in the Guide to Cross Compliance in England 2012 booklet which all farmers will have received earlier this year. I would urge them to read this.”