Supporting documents
To develop its Farm Regulation and Charging Strategy, Defra gathered evidence on farmers’, regulators’, and policy makers’ perceptions of regulation. It also looked at the economics of regulation in agriculture.
- Studies of the impact of the current regulatory regime
- Economic analysis of the cumulative impact of future regulation
- Other documents
Studies of the impact of the current regulatory regime
Administrative burdens in European agriculture: an evidence base (PDF) (217 KB) Summary available (PDF) (20 KB)
Defra has published a report on administrative burdens in European agriculture, based on analysis of qualitative and quantitative information across Europe.
The report provides an evidence base of the main burdens for European farmers, which can act as a foundation for developing simplification proposals, in line with the Commission's CAP Simplification initiative, and the wider European 25% target for reducing administrative burdens
Impacts of regulation on agriculture – A farmer study (ADAS) (PDF) [253KB] Appendices (PDF) [617KB]
Looks at the impacts of regulation on farmers and growers in England at the farm level. In total over 800 farmers were consulted through discussion groups, case studies and telephone interviews.
- The hassle and worry associated with compliance were perceived as the greatest burden, with record keeping as the main additional cost associated with regulation.
- Complex and difficult language in documents, the sheer volume of documents and options, as well as unclear guidance about compliance, were all seen to add to the burden of regulation.
Analysis of impact of Single Payment Scheme on form-filling (Promar International) (PDF) [724KB]
This desk-based research investigated how much time may be saved in ‘form filling’ by the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS).
Form-filling is estimated to decrease by a minimum of 15% for all CAP-related forms completed for Defra, RPA and BCMS. Farms with livestock benefit the most.
A study of farm regulation from the perspective of the regulator (Alison Blackburn) (PDF) [172KB]
Through surveys of policy makers and delivery bodies, the study considered the efficiency and effectiveness of the regulatory framework for farming, and the way regulation was delivered in the Autumn of 2004.
Delivery was seen by regulators as largely effective. However, better clarity of roles, co-ordination, communications, and a reassessment of methods and approaches could all improve the delivery of farm regulation in a number of areas.
A survey of local authority enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation (Ian Gibb) (PDF) [116KB]
Examined how Local Authorities (LAs) ensure compliance with the wide range of legislation associated with farm animal disease control and prevention, as well as farm animal welfare issues. The report was researched and written by an independent consultant, and included a number of recommendations for both Defra and LAs. Responses to the recommendations and progress to date are included in the document.
Report on a Defra stakeholder workshop on better regulation of farming, 26 April 2005 (David Pirnie, facilitator) (PDF) [533KB]
Assessed the existing farm regulatory framework, and produced a consensus on the priorities for the Strategy and the respective roles of stakeholders in delivering it. Participants came from a broad cross section of interests, ranging from government departments and regulators, to the farming industry and bodies with wider rural and environmental interests.
Economic analysis of the cumulative impact of future regulation
Cumulative impact of forthcoming regulatory proposals on the economics of farming (PDF) [230KB]
Sets out some illustrative results from applying the methodological framework to the major proposals on the horizon between now and 2015. Last updated: December 2006.
Agriculture and the economics of regulation (PDF) [394KB]
Summarises our economic evidence base and analysis of regulation for lay readers. Supports Defra’s Farm Regulation and Charging Strategy by setting out the fundamental economic principles underpinning its approach to regulation and charging policies.
Examines the reasons for government intervention, the various policy tools available and what should guide policy-makers’ choice of tools to address specific issues.
Farmers’ adjustments in response to increased regulatory costs (Martin Upton, University of Reading) (PDF) [370KB]
Considers the economic mechanisms through which farmers can adjust to new regulation and mitigate additional costs.
Methodological framework for assessing the cumulative burden of regulation (PDF) [101KB]
Describes the methodology which Defra economists will use to analyse the cumulative impacts of future regulation, charging or cost-sharing proposals on the English farming sector.
A study of long-term trends affecting the farming industry (English Farming and Food Partnerships) (PDF) [553KB] Appendices (PDF) [1MB]
Explores a range of scenarios relating to non-regulatory drivers such as CAP reform, trade liberalisation, technological changes and food preferences on farming over the next 10-15 years. Draws together their potential impact on the various sectors of farming, so that regulation can be seen in a wider perspective.
Other documents
Our Regulatory Impact Assessment (PDF) [114KB] sets out the aim and objectives of the Strategy, as well as its costs and benefits.
Defra’s Charging Handbook (PDF) [311KB] was designed to facilitate consistent, coherent and predictable charging across Defra’s regulatory services. Provides the context for approaches to charging in the farming sector.
Page last modified:
15 December 2006
Page published: 28 November 2005