EC briefing note on the beef sector
31 August 2005
This briefing note describes how the CAP 2003 reforms are being applied in the livestock sector and how they fit in with other elements of reform such as modulation and maintenance of financial discipline. It highlights the centrality of the single-payment scheme to the beef regime but notes the current application of product-specific supports during a transitional period (so called partial decoupling), up to December 2006 at the discretion of member states. It outlines not only how the system works but also the limits placed on aid entitlements and the importance of cross-compliance under the new regime. New member states may apply a different type of direct-aid scheme, but if they operate the single-payment scheme, the same rules apply as elsewhere in the EU. The note closes by setting out the main EU regulations now applicable in the meat sector.
Editorial comment
While there are limits on aid entitlements this does not mean that in the short term overall levels of EU support will necessarily fall. What should be noted is that the efficiency of aid delivery to farmers will be greatly increased as a result of the introduction of the single-payment scheme.