The Union is in regular contact with the Group as they attempt to reduce by ¼ the amount of bureaucracy in the industry.
Twenty key Regulations have been identified in Northern Ireland agriculture which impose the greatest administrative burdens on the industry.
These are now being looked at in terms of the unnecessary burden; those Regulations that provide the greatest potential for simplification; and examples of good practice from elsewhere.
The UFU is asking for the total cost, which must include the cost of the farmers' time, of dealing with all the bureaucracy and regulation associated with a farm business, to be established and then using that total cost as a baseline from which to implement a subsequent 25% reduction.
This would be measurable, transparent and non-restrictive. Indeed, DEFRA has acknowledged that experiences of Member States demonstrates that target-setting is an extremely effective tool to reduce administrative burdens as it provides both a political incentive for action and a measurable impact of the simplification efforts.
The UFU has also stressed that the difference between administrative 'cost' and 'burden' must be distinguished. We want any reduction in regulation to be 'felt' on the ground.