Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations apply to England and Wales and make provision for the paymentof aid to farmers who undertake to introduce organic farming methods, pursuant toArticle 2(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (OJ No. L215, 30.7.92, p.85).

The Regulations—

(a)

enable the Minister to make payments of aid, limited to 300 hectares per holding and subject to specified restrictions, to applicants satisfying the conditions of and applying in accordance with the regulations and specify the rate of aid (regulation 3);

(b)

specify the conditions of eligibility to be satisfied by applicants for aid (regulation 4);

(c)

specify the requirements in relation to applications for aid and the documents to accompany such applications (regulation 5);

(d)

require the Minister to notify applicants of the acceptance of applications and other specified details (regulation 6);

(e)

specify restrictions on the acceptance of applications by the Minister (regulation 7);

(f)

make provision for payment of aid to a new occupant where there has been a change in the occupation of a holding or part of a holding due to the death of a beneficiary or otherwise (regulation 8);

(g)

specify that payment of aid will be made in arrear (regulation 9);

(h)

require an applicant to permit an authorised person to enter premises and inspect premises, documents and records and to give reasonable assistance to the authorised person (regulation 10);

(i)

specify circumstances in which the Minister may withhold aid or recover payments already made (regulation 11); and

(j)

create the making of a false statement an offence and make provision for dealing with offences committed by corporations (regulations 12 and 13).

The UKROFS standards are published and copies are obtainable from the Office of the Secretary to UKROFS, Room 320(c), Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR.