Horticulture: Schemes for growers
Among the schemes administered by Defra and the other UK Agriculture Departments are:
CAP Reform - Single Payment Scheme
Agreement on the next stage of reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was reached on 26th June 2003. This reform is planned to take effect as of 1st January 2005. For the first time, growers of horticultural crops and potatoes will be eligible for a direct payment, provided that they meet the terms and conditions of the new scheme.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables - Producer Organisation (Fresh Fruit and Vegetables) Aid Scheme
The EU Fruit and Vegetables Regime was reformed in 1996 with the aim
of increasing market orientation among EU growers, whilst reducing reliance
on intervention (withdrawals). A further aim is to increase growers' competitiveness
in the supply chain. In order to achieve this, the Regime provides financial
support for Producer Organisations (POs). POs are legal organisations
whose members must have the general aim of:
- ensuring that the organisation's production is planned and adjusted to demand;
- promoting concentration of supply;
- reducing production costs; and
- promoting the use of environmentally sound cultivation and waste practices.
Once recognised, POs are able to submit operational programmes (OPs) aimed at encouraging the use of environmentally friendly techniques and improving the quality, marketing and end value of produce. These programmes attract EU funding. They can contain many elements but must include the following obligatory objectives:
- action to develop the use of environmentally sound techniques by PO members with regard to cultivation practices and management of waste; and
- provision for the technical and human resources required to ensure the monitoring and compliance with EU marketing standards and rules on plant health requirements and maximum permitted levels of residues.
The scheme is operated by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Details of the scheme rules are available from the RPA's Fruit and Vegetables Section on 0191 226 5041.
Page last modified:
19 June 2007
Page published: 14 March 2005