Survey aims to assess regulations burden on farmers

Mar 6 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

NFU members are being urged to complete a survey designed to outline the impact of regulation and inspections on their farm businesses.

The survey, which can be completed online and is also in the latest edition of the NFU membership magazine British Farmer & Grower, aims to give a clearer picture of the regulatory burden faced by farmers. It has been prompted by the Government’s Better Regulation agenda, a significant part of which focuses on reducing the administrative burden on private businesses.

NFU vice-president Paul Temple said: “The regulatory burden being placed on farmers and their businesses has increased dramatically in recent years and it is vital we have a clear picture of the situation so we can raise awareness about its impact on farmers and their businesses.

“The Government’s targets are a useful way of measuring its efforts to reduce the regulatory burden and we support what they are doing. But the only real measure of success will be a tangible improvement in the situation of farmers on the ground.

“It is important that Defra is made aware of the impact of regulation on farmers and what needs to be done to reduce it.”

Members’ views are being sought on whether the regulation they face is proportionate or excessive and whether it is easy to deal with or gets in the way of business management.

The survey also asks whether they have been subjected to multiple inspections in the past six months and about the most irritating and burdensome piece of regulation they have come across in the last year.