Commission Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 (repealed)Show full title

[F1 ANNEX I U.K. Support schemes referred to in Article 2(2)

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2009 of 4 May 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

• Fruit and vegetables (Part II, Title I, Chapter IV, Section IVa of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 (1) )

• Wine (Title II, Chapter I of Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 (2) )

• Tobacco (Part II, Title I, Chapter IV, Section V of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007)

• Olive oil (Part II, Title I, Chapter IV, Section IV of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007)

• Hops (Article 68a of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)

• Sheep and goats (Article 102(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (3) )

• Bee keeping (Title I, Chapter IV, Section VI of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007)

• Sugar (Council Regulation (EC) No 320/2006 (4) )

• Specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions (Title III of Council Regulation (EC) No 247/2006 (5) ) and the smaller Aegean islands (Chapter III of Council Regulation (EC) No 1405/2006 (6) )

• Direct payments (Article 41(3) and 68 of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009)]

ANNEX II U.K.

A. CONTENT OF A RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (ARTICLE 5) U.K.

1. Title of rural development programme U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Member State and administrative region (if relevant) U.K.

2.1. Geographical area covered by the plan U.K.

(Article 15(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

2.2. Regions classified as ‘Convergence’ Objective U.K.

(Article 16(d) and Article 69 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

Identify:

• Convergence regions.

3. Analysis of the situation in terms of strengths and weaknesses, the strategy chosen to meet them and the ex ante evaluation U.K.

(Article 16(a) and Article 85 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

3.1. Analysis of the situation in terms of strengths and weaknesses U.K.

Describe the current situation of the geographical area using quantified data, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, disparities, needs and gaps and potential for rural development on the basis of the baseline indicators defined in Annex VIII and of other relevant additional indicators. This description shall concern:

— The general socio-economic context of the geographical area

:

the definition of the rural area taking into account point 2.4 of the Annex to Council Decision 2006/144/EC(7); the demographic situation including analysis of the age and gender population structure, in- and out-migration and problems arising from peri-urban pressures and remoteness; economic drivers, productivity and growth; the labour market including the structure of employment, unemployment and skills levels including analysis of the age and gender employment situation; general and agricultural/forestry land use and ownership structure, average size of holdings.

— Performance of the agricultural, forestry and food sectors

:

competitiveness of agricultural, forestry and food sectors, analysis of structural disadvantages and identification, of restructuring and modernisation needs; human capital and entrepreneurship; potential for innovation and knowledge transfer; quality and compliance with Community standards.

— Environment and land management

:

the handicaps facing farms in areas at risk of abandonment and marginalisation; overall description of biodiversity with focus on that linked to agriculture and forestry, including high nature value farming and forestry systems, the situation with respect to the implementation of the Natura 2000 directives in farm/forestland; water quality and quantity descriptions, the role of agriculture in water use/pollution and implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC(8) and of Directive 2000/60/EC (The Nitrates and the Water Framework Directive); air pollution and climate change and their link to agriculture: Greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions and link to different action plans/initiatives taken by the Member State/region to contribute in achieving international targets including the Code of Good Practice to reduce ammonia emissions (Convention on Long Range Transboundary Pollution); bioenergy use; soil quality descriptions (water and wind erosion, organic matter, contamination) and protection, pesticide use, organic farming and animal welfare; extent of protective and protected forest areas, forest areas under high/medium fire risk, annual average change in forest coverage. The above descriptions shall be supported by quantified data.

— Rural economy and quality of life

:

structure of the rural economy, barriers to creation of alternative employment opportunities, micro-business formation and tourism; description and gap analysis of the provision of services in rural area, including access to online services and broadband infrastructure; infrastructural needs, cultural heritage and built environment in villages; human potential and local capacity for development including governance.

— Leader

:

the population and territory of the Member States covered by bottom-up integrated rural development strategies (Leader+ and other national and Community co-financed programmes) during the 2000-06 programming period.

3.2. The strategy chosen to meet strengths and weaknesses U.K.

Describe the choice and the hierarchy of rural development measures to address the situation in the rural territory and the financial weight given to the different axes and measures justified by the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses.

3.3. The ex ante evaluation U.K.

Include this evaluation that will identify and appraise the elements contained in Article 85 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005: medium- and long-term needs, the goals to be achieved, the results expected, the quantified targets particularly in terms of impact in relation to the baseline situation, the Community value added, the extent to which the Community’s priorities have been taken into account, the lessons drawn from previous programming and the quality of the procedures for implementation, monitoring, evaluation and financial management.

The ex ante evaluation shall address also the requirements of the environmental assessment provided for by Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(9) (the ‘Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive’).

The complete ex ante evaluation will be presented as an annex to the rural development programme.

3.4. Impact from the previous programming period and other information U.K.

Describe the impact of EAGGF financial resources allocated to rural development during the previous programming period on the same programming area. Present a summary of the results of evaluations.

[F2 For Bulgaria and Romania the description under the previous paragraph shall address the impact of the Sapard financial resources.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 434/2007 of 20 April 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 by reason of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.

Where relevant, also describe any supplementary measures in addition to Community rural development and accompanying measures which have had an impact on the programming area concerned.

4. Justification of the priorities chosen having regard to the Community strategic guidelines and the national strategy plan as well as the expected impact according to the ex ante evaluation U.K.

(Article 16(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

4.1. Justification of the priorities chosen having regard to the Community strategic guidelines and the national strategy plan U.K.

Describe how the measures selected in the rural development programme and the financial weight given to the four Axes reflect the national strategy plan and the specific national situation.

4.2. Expected impacts deriving from the ex ante evaluation with regard to the priorities chosen U.K.

The rural development programme will include a summary of the ex ante evaluation (driven from the full ex ante evaluation annexed to the programme) and how the managing authorities took into account the results of this evaluation. This part shall also comment on the expected impacts of synergies between axes and measures and how integrated actions across them can contribute to positive externalities and win-win situations.

5. Information on the axes and measures proposed for each axis and their description U.K.

(Article 16(c) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

This information shall include the description of the axes and measures proposed, as well as specific verifiable objectives and indicators referred in Article 81 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 that allow the programme’s progress, efficiency and effectiveness to be measured. These indicators will include common indicators included in the CMEF (Annex VIII to this Regulation) and additional indicators specific to the programme.

5.1. General requirements U.K.

• identify the specific article (and paragraph where relevant) which covers each rural development measure. Where two or more articles are quoted (for integrated operations), the payment shall be attributed to the dominant measure and through this to the dominant axis (Article 70(7) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005), but each part shall be implemented in accordance with the rules governing the individual measures.

• identify the rationale for intervention, the objectives, the scope and actions, indicators, quantified targets and where appropriate beneficiaries.

5.2. Requirements concerning all or several measures U.K.

• Reference of all ongoing operations/contracts from the previous period, including in financial terms, and the procedures/rules (including the transitional ones) which apply to these in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006 laying down rules for the transition to the rural development support provided for by Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005(10). Where deviations from the correlation table set in Annex II to that Regulation are proposed in a programme such deviations must be explained under this indent. For operations belonging to measures which will no longer be re-conducted in the 2007-13 programming period description may be limited only to the requirements under this indent.[F2 For Bulgaria and Romania, reference to all ongoing operations/contracts, including in financial terms, and the procedures/rules (including the transitional ones) which apply to these in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 248/2007 (11) on measures concerning the Multiannual Financing Agreements and the Annual Financing Agreements concluded under the Sapard programme and the transition from Sapard to rural development.]

• [F1 Confirmation that for the measures pursuant to Articles 25, 43 to 49 and 52 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and for operations under the measures pursuant to Articles 21, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 35a of that Regulation which fall outside the scope of Article 36 of the Treaty, respect of the State aid procedures and material compatibility criteria, in particular aid ceiling of total public support under Articles 87 to 89 of the Treaty, is ensured.]

• Confirmation that the cross-compliance requirements, which affect the implementation of several rural development measures, are identical to those provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003.

• Evidence that for investment measures support is targeted on clearly defined objectives reflecting identified territorial needs and structural disadvantages.

• Criteria and administrative rules for ensuring that operations benefiting exceptionally from rural development support in the support schemes listed in Annex I to this Regulation are not also supported by other relevant instruments of the Common Agricultural Policy.

• Evidence as referred to in Article 48(2) of this Regulation allowing the Commission to check consistency and plausibility of the calculations.

• In case of use of interest rate subsidies and capitalisation systems thereof, as well as of financial engineering actions, the arrangements in accordance with Articles 49 to 52 of this Regulation.

[F1 5.3. Information required for Axes and measures U.K.

The following specific information, including information on the specific types of operations referred to in Article 16a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, is required for measures:]

5.3.1. Axis 1: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector U.K.

Common to certain measures relating to forestry

• linkage of proposed measures with national/sub-national forest programmes or equivalent instruments and with the Community Forestry Strategy.

5.3.1.1. Measures aimed at promoting knowledge and improving human potential U.K.

5.3.1.1.1. Vocational training and information actions, including diffusion of scientific knowledge and innovative practices, for persons engaged in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors U.K.

• description of the operations (including types of training) and the type of beneficiaries,

• details on coverage of support.

5.3.1.1.2. Setting up of young farmers U.K.

• the definition of ‘setting up’ used by the Member State/region,

• a summary of the requirements of the business plan, including in case of investments to comply with existing Community standards within a 36-month grace period, and details on frequency and treatment of reviews of the business plan,

• use of the possibility to benefit from the grace period in order to reach the occupational skills and competence requirements,

• use of the possibility to combine different measures through the business plan giving access of the young farmer to these measures,

• amount of support and choice of payment (single premium in up to five instalments, interest rate subsidy or combination of both).

5.3.1.1.3. Early retirement of farmers and farm workers U.K.

• description of the link with national retirement schemes,

• description of the link with the young farmers setting-up measure (where this options was chosen),

• duration of the aid,

• use of the possibility to transfer released land to a body which undertakes to reassign it at a later date,

• amount for payments.

5.3.1.1.4. Use of farm and forestry advisory services U.K.

• description of the farm/forestry advisory systems put in place by the Member State, including the procedure for the selection of the bodies responsible for the provision of those services to farmers/forest holders,

• amount and rate of support.

5.3.1.1.5. Setting up of management, relief and advisory services U.K.

• description of the setting-up procedures, the status of the services providers, the type of services covered,

• description of the types of eligible expenditures, level of support, including its degressivity.

5.3.1.2. Measures aimed at restructuring and developing physical potential and promoting innovation U.K.

5.3.1.2.1. Modernisation of agricultural holdings U.K.

• description of the requirements and targets with regard to the improvement of the overall performance of the agricultural holdings,

• types of investments (tangible-intangible),

• types of beneficiaries,

• designation of the newly introduced Community standards (and of existing standards in the case of young farmers receiving setting-up support) for which support may be granted, justification related to the specific problems involved in complying with these standards and duration and justification of the grace period per standard concerned,

• type of support and aid intensities.

5.3.1.2.2. Improving the economic value of forests U.K.

• types of investments and of the beneficiaries concerned,

• type of support and aid intensities.

5.3.1.2.3. Adding value to agricultural and forestry products U.K.

• description of the requirements and targets with regard to the overall performance of the enterprises,

• primary production sectors and types of investments (tangible-intangible),

• types and size of the beneficiary enterprises,

• designation of the standards for which a period of grace can be granted to micro-enterprises in order to comply with a newly introduced Community standard,

• type of support and aid intensities[F3 ,]

• [F2 list of enterprises benefiting from a period of transition as referred to in section II paragraph 3 of Annex VIII of the Act of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania.]

Textual Amendments

F3 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 434/2007 of 20 April 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 by reason of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.

5.3.1.2.4. Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and in the forestry sector U.K.

• sectors covered and types of partners involved in the cooperation projects,

• description of any distinction between cooperation projects in the fields of new products/new processes/new technologies,

• types of eligible costs and levels of support.

5.3.1.2.5. Infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry U.K.

• Description of the type of operations.

5.3.1.2.6. Restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introducing appropriate prevention actions U.K.

• On occurrence of such events, assurance that only investment expenditure is covered.

5.3.1.3. Measures aimed at improving the quality of agricultural production and products U.K.

5.3.1.3.1. Meeting standards based on Community legislation U.K.

• list of standards based on Community legislation eligible for support under Article 31(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, date from which each standard is mandatory in accordance with Community legislation and justification of choice,

• description of the significant impact on farm operating costs stemming from the obligations or restrictions imposed by the new standard,

• amount of support per eligible standard and methodology used to determine this amount.

5.3.1.3.2. Participation of farmers in food quality schemes U.K.

• list of Community and national quality schemes eligible for support, including the list of products qualifying for support under the quality schemes chosen. For national schemes, description of the scheme regarding the criteria referred to in Article 22(2),

• indication of the official authority or authorities responsible for the supervision of the functioning of the quality scheme and description of the organisational arrangements for the supervision,

• amount of support per type of eligible scheme and justification of fixed costs.

5.3.1.3.3. Information and promotion activities U.K.

• list of products qualifying for support under the quality scheme chosen under measure ‘Participation of farmers in food quality schemes’,

• procedure for ensuring that actions benefiting from rural development support are not also supported under Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000,

• procedure for ex ante checks on information, promotion, and advertising materials (Article 23(6) of this Regulation),

• summary description of the type of eligible costs and rates of support.

[F1 5.3.1.4. Transitional measures] U.K.

5.3.1.4.1. Supporting semi-subsistence agricultural holdings undergoing restructuring U.K.

• definition of the semi-subsistence farm taking account of the minimum and/or maximum size of the farm, the proportion of production marketed, and/or the level of income of the eligible farm;

• definition of the future economic viability;

• summary of the requirements of the business plan;

• amount and duration of support.

5.3.1.4.2. Setting up of producer groups U.K.

• description of the official procedure for recognising the groups including selection criteria;

• sectors concerned;

• solely for Malta, indication of the sector or sectors benefiting from the derogation with the justification related to the extremely small total output, and the conditions of eligibility for the derogation: minimum percentage of the group’s production compared to total production in the sector, minimum number of producers in the sector who are members of the group;

• solely for Malta, justification of annual amounts.

[F2 5.3.1.4.3. Provision of farm advisory and extension services in Bulgaria and Romania U.K.

• description of the type of advisory and extension services to be provided;

• the minimum requirements for the bodies responsible for the provision of these services;

• the procedures for the selection of these bodies.]

[F4 5.3.1.4.4. Holdings undergoing restructuring due to a reform of a common market organisation U.K.

• designation of the reforms of common market organisation involved;

• summary of the requirements of the business plan;

• amount and duration of support.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2009 of 4 May 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

5.3.2. Axis 2: Improving the environment and the countryside U.K.

5.3.2.1. Measures targeting the sustainable use of agricultural land U.K.

Common to certain measures

Detailed description of the national implementation:

• for the specific purposes of Article 39(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 the minimum requirements for fertilizer and plant protection products use and other relevant mandatory requirements; minimum requirements for fertilisers must include, inter alia, the Codes of Good Practice introduced under Directive 91/676/EEC for farms outside Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, and requirements concerning phosphorus pollution; minimum requirements for plant protection products must include, inter alia, requirements to have a licence to use the products and meet training obligations, requirements on safe storage, the checking of application machinery and rules on pesticide use close to water and other sensitive sites, as established by national legislation;

• for the specific purposes of Article 40(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 other relevant mandatory requirements established by national legislation.

5.3.2.1.1. Natural handicap payments to farmers in mountain areas U.K.

The provisions of points 9.3.V.A(1) and 9.3.V.B(1), (2) and (3) and of the second indent of point 9.3.V.B. of Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 817/2004 apply until 31 December 2009. However, the distinction between A and B, main features/other information respectively is invalidated.

5.3.2.1.2. Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas U.K.

Point 5.3.2.1.1 applies.

5.3.2.1.3. Natura 2000 payments and payments linked to Directive 2000/60/EC U.K.

• the areas designated to implement Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC and the obligations for farmers resulting from the corresponding national/regional management provisions;

• description of the methodology and the agronomic assumptions used as reference point for the calculations justifying additional costs and income foregone resulting from the disadvantages in the area concerned related to the implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC(12);

• amounts of support.

5.3.2.1.4. Agri-environment payments U.K.

• description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities,

• the description of the methodology and of the agronomic assumptions and parameters (including the description of the baseline requirements as stated in Article 39(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 which are relevant for each particular type of commitment) used as reference point for the calculations justifying: (a) additional costs, (b) income foregone resulting from the commitment made and (c) level of the transaction costs; where relevant, this methodology shall take into account aid granted under Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003; where appropriate, the conversion method used for other units in accordance with Article 27(9) of this Regulation,

• amounts of support,

• the measures, objectives and criteria applied in case of the selection of beneficiaries by calls for tender in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 39(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005,

• the list of local breeds in danger of being lost to farming and the number of breeding females concerned. That number must be certified by a duly recognised technical body — or breeder’s organisation/association — which must register and keep up-to-date the herd or flock book for the breed. Evidence that the body concerned possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to identify animals of the breeds in danger,

• for plant genetic resources under threat of genetic erosion, evidence of genetic erosion based upon scientific results and indicators for the occurrence of landraces/primitive (local) varieties, their population diversity and the prevailing agricultural practices at local level,

• for conservation of genetic resources in agriculture (Article 39(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005): types of beneficiaries, of operations and details on eligible costs.

5.3.2.1.5. Animal welfare payments U.K.

• description and justification of the different types of commitments, in at least one of the areas identified in Article 27(7) of this Regulation, based on their expected impact,

• description of the methodology and of the agronomic/zoo-technical assumptions and parameters (including the description of the baseline requirements as stated in Article 40(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 which are relevant for each particular type of commitment) used as reference point for the calculations justifying: (a) additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment made; (b) level of the transaction costs,

• amounts of support.

5.3.2.1.6. Support for non-productive investments U.K.

• definition of operations to be supported,

• description of the link to commitments provided for in Article 36(a)(iv) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 or other agri-environmental objectives,

• description of the public amenity values of a Natura 2000 area or other high nature value area to be enhanced.

5.3.2.2. Measures targeting the sustainable use of forestry land U.K.

Common to all measures:

• linkage of proposed measures with national/sub-national forest programmes or equivalent instruments and with the Community Forestry Strategy,

• reference to the forest protection plans for areas classified as high or medium risk for forest fires and the elements ensuring conformity of proposed measures with these protection plans.

5.3.2.2.1. First afforestation of agricultural land U.K.

• definition of ‘agricultural land’,

• definition of ‘farmer’,

• provisions and criteria for the selection of the areas to be afforested ensuring that the planned measures are suited to local conditions and compatible with the environmental requirements, particularly biodiversity, in accordance with Article 50(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and Article 34(2) of this Regulation,

• description of the methodology for the calculation of establishment and maintenance cost as well as income foregone to be compensated. Where relevant for the latter, this methodology shall take into account aid granted under Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003,

• aid intensity for establishment support, amounts and duration of annual premiums contributing to covering maintenance costs and loss of income.

5.3.2.2.2. First establishment of agroforestry systems on agricultural land U.K.

• definition of agroforestry systems to be supported,

• forestry use,

• agricultural use,

• densities of planting,

• description of the methodology for the calculation of the establishment cost,

• aid intensities for establishment support.

5.3.2.2.3. First afforestation of non-agricultural land U.K.

• provisions and criteria for the designation of areas to be afforested,

• provisions ensuring that the planned measures are suited to local conditions and compatible with the environmental requirements, particularly biodiversity,

• description of the methodology for the calculation of establishment and maintenance costs,

• aid intensities for establishment support.

5.3.2.2.4. Natura 2000 Payments U.K.

• the areas designated to implement Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC as well as the obligations for forest owners resulting from the corresponding national/regional management provisions,

• description of the methodology for the calculations justifying costs incurred and income foregone resulting from the restrictions on the use of forests and other wooded land due to implementation of Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43/EEC in the area concerned,

• amount of support.

5.3.2.2.5. Forest-environment payments U.K.

• justification for the commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities,

• description of the methodology and of the assumptions and parameters used as reference point for the calculations justifying additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment given,

• amount of support.

5.3.2.2.6. Restoring forestry potential and introducing prevention actions U.K.

• nature of the actions to be implemented and prevention plans.

5.3.2.2.7. Support for non-productive investments U.K.

• definition of operations to be supported,

• description of the link to commitments provided for in Article 36(b)(v) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 or other environmental objective,

• description of the public amenity values to be enhanced.

5.3.3. Axis 3: Quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy U.K.

5.3.3.1. Measures to diversify the rural economy U.K.

5.3.3.1.1. Diversification into non-agricultural activities U.K.

• domains of diversification covered,

• aid intensities.

5.3.3.1.2. Support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises U.K.

• types of beneficiary enterprises,

• description of the type of operations,

• aid intensities.

5.3.3.1.3. Encouragement of tourism activities U.K.

• description of the type of operations covered, referred to in Article 55 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005,

• aid intensities.

5.3.3.2. Measures to improve the quality of life in rural areas U.K.

5.3.3.2.1. Basic services for the economy and rural population U.K.

• types of services supported,

• types of cost covered.

5.3.3.2.2. Village renewal and development U.K.

• types of actions supported,

• types of cost covered.

5.3.3.2.3. Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage U.K.

• description of the type of operations covered, referred to in Article 57 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005.

5.3.3.3. Training and information U.K.

• field(s) covered by the training and information,

• type of economic actors beneficiary of actions envisaged.

5.3.3.4. Skill acquisition, animation and implementation U.K.

• skill acquisition and animation: description of the type of operation covered,

• public-private partnerships under Article 59(e) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 other than those referred to in Article 62(1)(b) of that Regulation that will implement local development strategies: description of the type (partners represented, percentage of private partners represented, decision-making power), indicative estimate of the number of the public-private partnerships and area and population covered; indication of Axis 3 measures implemented by these public-private partnerships; provision ensuring that the running costs of these partnerships fit within the ceiling of 15 % of the public expenditure of their local development strategy.

5.3.4. Axis 4: Implementation of the Leader approach U.K.

5.3.4.1. Local development strategies U.K.

• procedure and timetable for selecting the local action groups, including objective selection criteria and planned indicative number of local action groups and planned percentage of rural territories covered by local development strategies,

• justification for selection of areas whose population falls outside the limits set out in Article 37(3),

• procedure for the selection of operations by the local action groups,

• description of the financial circuits applicable for local action groups.

5.3.4.2. Inter-territorial and transnational cooperation U.K.

• Procedure, timetable and objective criteria to select inter-territorial and transnational cooperation projects.

5.3.4.3. Running the local action group, acquiring skills and animating the territory U.K.

• limit to apply on the share of the local action group budget for running the local action groups,

• indicative estimate of expenditure under Article 59(a) to (d) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 which will be used for skills acquisition and animation for the Leader axis[F3 ,]

• [F2 For Bulgaria and Romania the minimum criteria for the definition of potential local action groups as referred to in Article 37a.]

[F2 5.3.5. Complements to direct payments U.K.

• Community contribution for each of the years 2007, 2008 and 2009.

• Designation of paying agency.]

[F4 5.3.6. List of types of operations referred to in Article 16a(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 up to the amounts referred to in Article 69(5a) of that Regulation U.K.

NB: The column ‘existing or new type of operation’ shall indicate whether or not the type of operation related to the priorities referred to in Article 16a of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 was already included in the version of the RDP applicable on 31 December 2008 . In this context modifications of existing types of operations are also considered to be ‘new types of operations.]’
Axis/measure	Type of operation	Potential effects	‘Existing’ or ‘new’ type of operation	Reference to the description of the type of operation in the RDP	Output indicator – target
Axis 1 Measure 111	…	…
Measure …	…	…
Axis 2 Measure 211	…	…
Measure …	…	…
Axis 3 Measure 311	…	…
Measure …
Axis 4 Measure 411	…	…
Measure …

6. A financing plan, comprising two tables U.K.

(Article 16(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

[F1 6.1. Annual contributions from the EAFRD (in EUR) U.K.

a For Member States with convergence regions.
b For Member States with outermost regions or smaller Aegean Islands.
c For Member States applying voluntary modulation pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 378/2007.
d For Member States receiving additional funds as referred to in Article 69(5a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 with convergence regions.]
	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Non-convergence regions
Convergence regions a
Outermost regions and smaller Aegean Islands b
Voluntary modulation c
Additional contribution to Portugal
Additional funds from Article 69(5a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 – non-convergence region
Additional funds from Article 69(5a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 – convergence region d
Total

6.2. Financial plan by axis (in EUR total period)(13) U.K.

Axis	Public contribution
	Total public	EAFRD contribution rate(%)	EAFRD amount
Axis 1
Axis 2
Axis 3
Axis 4
Technical Assistance
Total

[F2 6.2 a. Financial plans by axis for Bulgaria and Romania (in EUR total period) U.K.

Axis	Public contribution
	Total public	EAFRD contribution rate (%)	EAFRD amount
Axis 1
Axis 2
Axis 3
Axis 4
Technical Assistance
Complements to direct payments
Total			]

[F5 6.3. Indicative budget related to operations referred to in Article 16a of Regulation (EC) 1698/2005 between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013 (Article 16a(3b) up to the amounts specified in Article 69(5a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005) U.K.

Axis/measure	EAFRD contribution for 2009-2013
Axis 1
Measure 111	…
Measure …	…
Total Axis 1	…
Axis 2
Measure 211	…
Measure …	…
Total Axis 2	…
Axis 3 Measure 311 Measure 321 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Measure …	…
Total Axis 3 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	…
Axis 4 Measure 411 Measure 413 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Measure …	…
Total Axis 4 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	…
Total programme
Total under Axis 1, 2, 3 and 4 related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	…
Total under Axis 3 and 4 related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	]

Textual Amendments

F5 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 482/2009 of 8 June 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and Regulation (EC) No 883/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 as regards the keeping of accounts by the paying agencies, declarations of expenditure and revenue and the conditions for reimbursing expenditure under the EAGF and the EAFRD.

NB: Transitional expenditure according to the first indent of point 5.2 of this Annex shall be integrated in the tables in points 6.1, 6.2 and point 7. For the identification of such expenditure Member States shall use the correlation table in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006.[F2 For Bulgaria and Romania the correlation table in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EC) No 248/2007 shall be used for the identification of such expenditures.] U.K.

7. Indicative breakdown by Rural Development Measure (in EUR, total period) U.K.

a In order to verify compliance with Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 the distribution key between axes resulting from the local development strategies will be applied to the total allocation of axis 4.
Measure/Axis	Public expenditure	Private expenditure	Total Cost
Measure 111
Measure 112
Measure 121
Measure 1 …
Total Axis 1
Measure 211
Measure 212
Measure 221
Measure 2 …
Total Axis 2
Measure 311
Measure 312
Measure 321
Measure 3 …
Total Axis 3
41 Local development strategies: — 411 Competitiveness — 412 Environment/land management — 413 Quality of life/diversification
421 Cooperation:
431 Running costs, skills acquisition, animation
Total Axis 4a
Total axes 1, 2, 3 and 4
511 Technical Assistance of which amount for the national rural network (where relevant): (a) running costs (b) action plan
Grand total

[F2 7a.

Indicative breakdown by Rural Development Measure for Bulgaria and Romania (in EUR, total period)

a In order to verify compliance with Article 17 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 the distribution key between axes resulting from the local development strategies will be applied to the total allocation of Axis 4.]
Measure/Axis	Public expenditure	Private expenditure	Total cost
Measure 111
Measure 112
Measure 121
Measure 1…
Total Axis 1
Measure 211
Measure 212
Measure 221
Measure 2 …
Total Axis 2
Measure 311
Measure 312
Measure 321
Measure 3…
Total Axis 3
41 Local development strategies: — 411 Competitiveness — 412 Environment/land management — 413 Quality of life/diversification
421 Cooperation:
431 Running costs, skills acquisition, animation
Total Axis 4 a
511 Technical Assistance of which amount for the national rural network (where relevant): (a) running costs (b) action plan
611 Complements to direct payments
Grand total

The consolidated financial table and the indicative initial measure table must follow the structure of the tables in points 6.1, 6.2 and point 7 and the order of the following list:

The different measures are codified as follows:

(111)

vocational training, information actions, including diffusion of scientific knowledge and innovative practices for persons engaged in the agricultural, food and forestry sectors;

(112)

setting up of young farmers;

(113)

early retirement of farmers and farm workers;

(114)

use by farmers and forest holders of advisory services;

(115)

setting up of farm management, farm relief and farm advisory services, as well as forestry advisory services;

(121)

farm modernisation;

(122)

improving the economic value of the forest;

(123)

adding value to agricultural and forestry products;

(124)

cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies in the agricultural and food sector;

(125)

improving and developing infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry;

(126)

restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introducing appropriate prevention actions;

(131)

helping farmers to adapt to demanding standards based on Community legislation;

(132)

supporting farmers who participate in food quality schemes;

(133)

supporting producer groups for information and promotion activities for products under food quality schemes;

(141)

supporting semi-subsistence farms undergoing restructuring;

(142)

setting up of producer groups;

[F2 (143)

provision of farm advisory and extension services in Bulgaria and Romania;]

[F4 (144)

holdings undergoing restructuring due to a reform of a common market organisation;]

(211)

natural handicap payments to farmers in mountain areas;

(212)

payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas;

(213)

Natura 2000 payments and payments linked to Directive 2000/60/EC;

(214)

agri-environmental payments;

(215)

animal welfare payments;

(216)

support for non-productive investments;

(221)

first afforestation of agricultural land;

(222)

first establishment of agroforestry systems on agricultural land;

(223)

first afforestation of non-agricultural land;

(224)

Natura 2000 payments;

(225)

forest environment payments;

(226)

restoring forestry potential and introducing prevention actions;

(227)

support for non-productive investments;

(311)

diversification into non-agricultural activities;

(312)

support for the creation and development of micro-enterprises;

(313)

encouragement of tourism activities;

(321)

basic services for the economy and rural population;

(322)

village renewal and development;

(323)

conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage;

(331)

training and information for economic actors operating in the fields covered by Axis 3;

(341)

skills acquisition and animation with a view to preparing and implementing a local development strategy;

(41)

local development strategies;

(411)

competitiveness;

(412)

environment/land management;

(413)

quality of life/diversification;

(421)

transnational and inter-regional cooperation;

(431)

running the local action group, skills acquisition, animation;

(511)

technical assistance[F3 ;]

[F2 (611)

complementary direct payments in Bulgaria and Romania.]

8. Where applicable, a table on additional national financing per axis, distinguishing the measures concerned as identified in Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 U.K.

Table

Additional national financing (Article 16(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

(In Euro, total period)
Axis 1
Measure 111
…
Total Axis 1
Axis 2
Measure 211
…
Total Axis 2
Axis 3
Measure 311
…
Total Axis 3
Axis 4
Measure 411
…
Total Axis 4
Total Axis 1, Axis 2, Axis 3, Axis 4

9. The elements needed for the appraisal under competition rules and, when applicable, the list of aid schemes authorised under Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty to be used for the implementation of the programmes U.K.

(Article 16(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

Elements under points A and B for state aid rules and procedures must be valid over the entire life cycle of the programme and cover both the initial submission and subsequent changes thereof.

A. For measures and operations falling within the scope of Article 36 of the Treaty, either: U.K.

• indicate whether support will be granted in respect of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1860/2004(14) on de minimis support in the agriculture sector; or

• provide the registration number and the reference to the Commission exemption Regulation adopted on the basis of Council Regulation (EC) No 994/98(15) under which the measure was introduced; or

• provide the case number and reference number under which the measure has been declared compatible with the Treaty by the Commission; or

• submit the relevant information sheet annexed to Commission Regulation (EC) No 794/2004(16).

[F6 B. [F1 For the measures pursuant to Articles 25, 27 (for the latter only for additional national funding referred to in Article 89 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005), 43 to 49 and 52 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and operations under the measures pursuant to Articles 21, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 35a of that Regulation which fall outside the scope of Article 36 of the Treaty, either:] U.K.

• indicate whether support will be granted in respect of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1998/2006 (17) ; or

• list the registration number and the reference to the Commission exemption Regulation adopted on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 994/98 under which the measure was introduced; or

• provide the case number and reference number under which the measure has been declared compatible with the Treaty by the Commission; or

• indicate for what other reasons the aid scheme concerned shall constitute existing aid within the meaning of Article 1(b) of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999 including existing aid measures within the meaning of the Accession Treaties.]

Those measures must be provided in the format of State aid table, as set out below:

Textual Amendments

F6 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1175/2008 of 27 November 2008 amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

C. Format of State aid table, to be attached to each rural development programme U.K.

a To indicate respectively: For the measures covered by a de minimis Regulation: ‘Any aid granted under this measure will be in conformity with the de minimis Regulation (EC) No […]’, For approved aid schemes: reference to Commission State aid approval decision, including State aid number and references of approval letter, For Block Exempted aid: reference to the individual Block Exemption Regulation and the registration number, For other existing aid measures: (a) in the case of the Member States that acceded to the Community on 1 May 2004 and on 1 January 2007‘the new Member States’]: (1) ‘none’ for pre-1995 aid; (2) reference to the measure's number on the Accession Treaty list, (3) reference to the ‘interim procedure’ no objections letter, (b) for other cases of existing aid: please indicate the applicable relevant justification.
Measure code	Name of the aid scheme	Indication of lawfulness of the schemea	Duration of aid scheme

The State aid table shall be accompanied by a commitment from the Member State that any cases of application of the schemes enumerated in point B for which individual notifications are required under State aid rules or under conditions and commitments laid down in the respective State aid approval decision, will be notified individually pursuant to Article 88(3) of the Treaty.

10. Information on the complementarity with the measures financed by the other Common Agricultural Policy instruments, through Cohesion policy as well as by the European Fisheries Fund U.K.

(Article 5, Article 16(h) and Article 60 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

10.1. Appraisal of and means for the complementarity with: U.K.

• activities, policies and priorities of the Community, in particular with the objectives of Economic and Social cohesion and those of the European Fisheries Fund,

• measures financed by the EAGF or other instruments in the sectors listed in Annex I to this Regulation.

10.2. In relation with Axes 1, 2 and 3 measures: U.K.

• Demarcation criteria for the measures which target operations also eligible under another Community support instrument, in particular structural funds and the European Fisheries Fund.

10.3. In relation with Axis 4 measures: U.K.

• Demarcation criteria for the local development strategies falling within Axis 4 in relation to local development strategies implemented by ‘Groups’ under the European Fisheries Fund and for cooperation in relation to the Cooperation Objective under the Structural Funds.

10.4. Where relevant, information on the complementarity with other Community financial instruments shall be supplied. U.K.

11. Designation of competent authorities and bodies responsible U.K.

(Article 16(i)(i) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

• Designation by the Member State of all the authorities provided for in Article 74(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and for information a summary description of their management and control structure.

12. A description of the monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as the envisaged composition of the Monitoring Committee U.K.

(Article 16 (i)(ii) and Article 77 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

12.1. A description of the monitoring and evaluation systems U.K.

These will be constructed on the basis of the common list of output, result, baseline and impact indicators of the rural development programme, included in the CMEF in Annex VIII and the other elements referred to in Article 62(3). Each rural development programme shall specify additional indicators reflecting national and/or regional needs, conditions and objectives specific to the programme area. The data gathered for the indicators could be inspired from standards developed by the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) or Community projects such as the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES).

12.2. The envisaged composition of the Monitoring Committee U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13. Provisions to ensure that the programme is publicised U.K.

(Article 76 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

Describe the communication plan and the elements included in Article 58 of this Regulation and Annex VI thereto:

13.1. Actions foreseen to inform potential beneficiaries, professional organisations, the economic, social and environmental partners, bodies involved in promoting equality between men and women and the non-governmental organisations, of the possibilities offered by the programme and the rules for gaining access to programme funding. U.K.

13.2. Actions foreseen to inform the beneficiaries of the Community contribution. U.K.

13.3. Actions to inform the general public about the role played by the Community in the programmes and the results thereof. U.K.

14. The designation of the partners consulted and the results of the consultation U.K.

(Article 6 and Article 16(j) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

14.1. The designation of the partners consulted U.K.

List of the consulted competent regional, local authorities and other public authorities, the economic and social partners and any other appropriate body representing civil society, non-governmental organisations, including environmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting equality between men and women.

14.2. The results of the consultation U.K.

Supply a summary of the results of consultations including the dates of consultation and the time given to comment and contribute to the programme preparation and indicate the extent to which the views and advice received have been taken into account.

15. Equality between men and women and non-discrimination U.K.

(Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

15.1. Describe how equality between men and women will be promoted at the various stages of programme implementation (design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation). U.K.

15.2. Describe how any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age or sexual orientation is prevented during the various stages of programme implementation. U.K.

16. Technical assistance operations U.K.

(Article 66(2) and Article 68 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005)

16.1. Description of the preparation, management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control activities of programme assistance financed by technical assistance. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16.2. National rural network U.K.

• list of organisations and administrations involved in rural development which will form part of the national rural network;

• procedure and timetable for establishing the national rural network;

• summary description of the main categories of activity to be undertaken by the national rural network. These activities will form the basis of the action plan to be drawn up by the managing authority and supported under Article 68(2)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005;

• amount reserved for establishing and operating the national rural network and implementing the action plan as referred to in Article 68(2)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005. Within this amount a distinction must be made between the part covering the structure needed to run the network and the one covering the action plan. The programme must contain provisions ensuring that the part of the amount under that point (a) shall not unduly increase over time.

B. SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES FOR NATIONAL RURAL NETWORKS (REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 41(3) AND (5)) U.K.

Where, in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 66(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, Member States with regional programmes submit for approval a specific programme for the establishment and the operation of national rural networks, those programmes must include the following elements:

(a)

list of organisations and administrations involved in rural development which will form part of the national rural network;

(b)

procedure and timetable for establishing the national rural network;

(c)

summary description of the main categories of activity to be undertaken by the national rural network. These activities will form the basis of the action plan to be drawn up by the managing authority and supported under Article 68(2)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005;

(d)

amount reserved for establishing and operating the national rural network and implementing the action plan as referred to in Article 68(2)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and the annual breakdown of the EAFRD contribution which must be compatible with Article 69(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005;

(e)

a financial table for the whole programming period of the following format (EUR current prices):

Type of expenditure for the national rural network	Total public expenditure	EAFRD contribution
(a) for running the structure of the national rural network
(b) for implementing the action plan of the national rural network, including its evaluation
Total

(f)

designation of competent authorities and bodies responsible;

(g)

description of the monitoring and evaluation system, as well as the envisaged composition of the Monitoring Committee.

ANNEX III U.K. AID TO PRODUCER GROUPS IN MALTA

Support for the setting up of a producer group (Minimum amount referred to in Article 25(2))

EUR	Year
63 000	1st year
63 000	2nd year
63 000	3rd year
60 000	4th year
50 000	5th year

ANNEX IV U.K.

THRESHOLDS FOR ENDANGERED BREEDS (REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 27(4))

a Number, calculated for all Member States, of breeding females of the same breed available for pure-bred reproduction registered in a herd book kept by an approved breeding organisation recognised by the Member State in accordance with Community zootechnical legislation.
Eligible farm animal species	Thresholds under which a local breed is considered as being in danger of being lost to farming (number of breeding femalesa)
Cattle	7 500
Sheep	10 000
Goat	10 000
Equidae	5 000
Pigs	15 000
Avian	25 000

ANNEX V U.K.

TABLE OF CONVERSION OF ANIMALS TO LIVESTOCK UNITS (REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 27(13))

a [F7 This conversion rate may be increased taking into account of scientific evidence to be explained and duly justified in the rural development programmes.]
Bulls, cows and other bovine animals over two years, equine animals over six months	1,0 LU
Bovine animals from six months to two years	0,6 LU
Bovine animals below six months	0,4 LU
Sheep	0,15 LU
Goats	0,15 LU
Breeding sows > 50 Kg	0,5 LU
Other pigs	0,3 LU
Laying hens	0,014 LU
[F6 Other poultry a	0,03  LU]

Textual Amendments

F7 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1175/2008 of 27 November 2008 amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

ANNEX VI U.K. INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY ON ASSISTANCE FROM THE EAFRD (REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 58(3))

1. Information measures for potential beneficiaries and for beneficiaries U.K.

1.1. Information measures for potential beneficiaries U.K.

With a view to transparency, the managing authorities shall disseminate the most comprehensive information possible on the financing opportunities offered by joint assistance from the Community and the Member States in the rural development programme.

To that end, the managing authority shall ensure that the rural development programme is published widely, with details of the financial contributions from the EAFRD, and that it is supplied to all interested applicants.

The managing authority shall provide the potential beneficiaries with clear, detailed and updated information on the following:

(a)

the administrative procedures to be followed in order to qualify for financing under an rural development programme;

(b)

a description of the procedures for examining applications for financing;

(c)

the eligibility conditions and/or criteria for selecting and evaluating the projects to be financed;

(d)

the names of persons or contacts at national, regional or local level who can explain the way rural development programmes work and the criteria for selecting and evaluating the operations.

The managing authority shall ensure that bodies that can act as relays are involved in the information measures for potential beneficiaries, and in particular:

(a)

local and regional authorities;

(b)

professional organisations;

(c)

economic and social partners;

(d)

non-governmental organisations, especially bodies promoting equality between men and women and bodies working to protect the environment;

(e)

information centres on Europe;

(f)

Commission representations in the Members States.

The managing authority shall inform potential beneficiaries of the publication provided for in point 2.1.

1.2. Information measures for beneficiaries U.K.

The managing authority shall ensure that the notification of award of the assistance informs beneficiaries that the action is being financed from a programme part-financed by the EAFRD and the priority axis of the rural development programme concerned.

2. Information and publicity measures for the public U.K.

The managing authority for the rural development programme and the beneficiaries shall take all steps to provide information and publicity for the public on measures financed under a rural development programme in accordance with this Regulation.

2.1. Responsibilities of the managing authorities U.K.

The managing authority shall inform the public of the rural development programme's adoption by the Commission and its updates, the main achievements in the implementation of the programme and its closure.

[ F8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F8 Deleted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1175/2008 of 27 November 2008 amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The information measures shall be implemented by the managing authority using all media at the appropriate territorial level. They shall also involve communication campaigns, hard-copy and electronic publications and any other medium regarded as suitable.

The measures for informing the public shall include the elements set out in point 3.1.

2.2. Responsibilities of beneficiaries U.K.

Where an operation under a rural development programme results in an investment (for example, on a farm or on food enterprise) whose total cost exceeds EUR 50 000, the beneficiary shall place an explanatory plaque.

A billboard shall be erected at the sites of infrastructures whose total cost exceeds EUR 500 000.

An explanatory plaque shall also be installed in the locations of the local action groups financed by Axis 4.

The billboards and plaques shall carry a description of the project/operation and the elements mentioned in point 3.1. That information shall take up at least 25 % of the billboard or plaque.

3. Technical characteristics of information and publicity actions U.K.

3.1. Slogan and logo U.K.

Each action of information and publicity shall contain the following elements:

• The European flag in accordance with the graphic standards set out in point 4, together with an explanation of the Community's role, by means of the following statement:

  ‘The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas’.

• For the actions and measures financed by the Leader Axis, the Leader logo shall also be used.

3.2. Information and communication material U.K.

• Publications (such as booklets, leaflets and newsletters) and posters about measures and actions part-financed by the EAFRD shall contain a clear indication on the title page of the Community’s participation, as well as the Community emblem if the national or regional emblem is also used. Publications shall include references to the body responsible for the information content and to the managing authority designated to implement the assistance package in question.

• In the case of information made available by electronic means (websites, databases for potential beneficiaries) or as audio-visual material, the first indent shall apply by analogy. In drawing the communication plan, due regard must be had to new technologies which permit the rapid and efficient distribution of information and facilitate a dialogue with the general public.

Websites concerning the EAFRD shall:

• mention the contribution of the EAFRD at least on the home page;

• include a hyperlink to the Commission website concerning EAFRD.

4. Instructions for creating the emblem and a definition of the standard colours U.K.

4.1. European flag U.K.

Symbolic description U.K.

Against a background of blue sky, 12 golden stars form a circle representing the union of the peoples of Europe. The number of stars is fixed, 12 being the symbol of perfection and unity.

In projects financed by the EAFRD, the name of this Fund shall appear under the European flag.

Heraldic description U.K.

On an azure field a circle of 12 golden mullets, their points not touching.

Geometric description U.K.

The emblem has the form of a blue rectangular flag of which the fly is one and a half times the length of the hoist. 12 gold stars situated at equal intervals form an invisible circle whose centre is the point of intersection of the diagonals of the rectangle. The radius of the circle is equal to one third of the height of the hoist. Each of the stars has five points which are situated on the circumference of an invisible circle whose radius is equal to one eighteenth of the height of the hoist. All the stars are upright, therefore with one point vertical and two points in a straight line at right angles to the mast. The circle is arranged so that the stars appear in the position of the hours on the face of a clock. Their number is invariable.

Regulation colours U.K.

The emblem is in the following colours: PANTONE REFLEX BLUE for the surface of the rectangle; PANTONE YELLOW for the stars. The international PANTONE range is very widely available and easily accessible even for non-professionals.

Four-colour process: If the four-colour process is used, the two standard colours cannot be used. They must therefore be recreated using the four colours of the four-colour process. PANTONE YELLOW is obtained by using 100 % ‘Process Yellow’. Mixing 100 % ‘Process Cyan’ and 80 % ‘Process Magenta’ gives a colour that is very similar to PANTONE REFLEX BLUE. Internet: In the web-palette PANTONE REFLEX BLUE corresponds to colour RGB:0/0/153 (hexadecimal: 000099) and PANTONE YELLOW to colour RGB:255/204/0 (hexadecimal: FFCC00).

Monochrome reproduction process:
If only black is available, outline the rectangle in black and print the stars in black and white.
Where blue is the only colour available (it must be Reflex Blue, of course), use 100 % with the stars reproduced in negative white and the field 100 % blue.
Reproduction on a coloured background:
The emblem should preferably be reproduced on a white background. Avoid a background of varied colours, and in any case one that does not go with blue. If there is no alternative to a coloured background, put a white border around the rectangle, the width of the border being 1/25th of the height of the rectangle.

4.2. Leader logo U.K.

ANNEX VII U.K.

A. STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES (ARTICLE 60) U.K.

1. Changes to the general conditions (Article 82(2)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005): U.K.

• Changes to the general conditions having a direct impact on the conditions for implementing the programme (namely legislative changes or unexpected socio-economic developments)

• Change to Community and national policies affecting consistency between the EAFRD and other financial instruments

2. The progress of the programme in relation to the objectives set, on the basis of output and result indicators (Article 82(2)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005): U.K.

An analysis of the achievements as measured by monitoring indicators including a qualitative analysis on the progress achieved in relation to the targets set out initially shall be given. The list of indicators (output and result) as set out in Annex VIII to this Regulation is to be used. Along with these indicators which make part of the CMEF, additional indicators specific to the programme to effectively monitor progress towards its objectives shall also be included.

[F4 [F5 Each Member State receiving additional financial resources in accordance with Article 69(5a) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 should include, for the first time in the annual report submitted in 2010, a separate chapter containing at least the same analysis as mentioned in the first paragraph as regards the operations related to the priorities mentioned in Article 16a(1) of that Regulation.]

Member States applying the new measure ‘ 144 Holdings undergoing restructuring ’ should report about the achievements made in view of the measure’s objectives.]

3. The financial implementation of the programme giving, for each measure, a statement of the expenditure paid to beneficiaries; if the programme covers regions eligible under the Convergence Objective, expenditure shall be identified separately (Article 82(2)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005). U.K.

The table summarising the financial implementation of the programme shall have at least the following information:

(in Euro)
Axes/measures	Annual payments-year N	Cumulative payments from year 2007 to year N
Axis 1
Measure 111 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Measure … of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Total Axis 1 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Axis 2
Measure 211 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Measure … of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Total Axis 2 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Axis 3
Measure 311 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Measure… of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Total Axis 3 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Axis 4
Measure 411 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Measure 4… of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Total Axis 4 of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Technical Assistance of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006
Total programme of which transitional expenditure according to Regulation (EC) No 1320/2006

A separate table with at least the same information shall be established for the regions covered by the Convergence Objective, as well as a table consolidated at programme-level for programmes covering both Convergence and non-Convergence regions.

[F5 3a. The financial implementation of the programme as regards the operations related to the new challenges and broadband infrastructure , giving, for each measure, a statement of expenditures paid to beneficiaries after 1 January 2009 for types of operations referred to in Article 16a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 and up to the amounts referred to in Article 69(5a) of that Regulation. U.K.

The table summarising the financial implementation of these types of operations shall have at least the following information:

Axis/measure	Annual payment-year N	Cumulative payments from year 2009 to year N
Measure 111	…	…
Measure …
Total Axis 1	…	…
Measure 211	…	…
Measure …
Total Axis 2	…	…
Measure 311	…	…
Measure 321 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005
Measure …
Total Axis 3 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005		…
Measure 411		…
Measure 413 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005
Measure …
Total Axis 4 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	…	…
Total programme Total under Axis 1, 2, 3 and 4 related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1), points (a) to (f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 Total under Axis 3 and 4 related to priorities listed in Article 16a(1) point (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005	…	…]

4. A summary of the ongoing evaluation activities in accordance with Article 86(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (Article 82(2)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005) U.K.

A summary of the ongoing evaluation activities, established on the basis of the reporting to the Monitoring Committee in accordance with Article 86(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, including the activities related notably to the elements referred to in Articles 84(5) and 86(1) and (2) of that Regulation.

5. The steps taken by the Managing Authority and the Monitoring Committee to ensure the quality and effectiveness of programme implementation (Article 82(2)(e) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005), in particular: U.K.

(i)

monitoring and evaluation measures

(ii)

a summary of the major problems encountered in managing the programme and any measures taken, including in response to comments made under Article 83 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005

(iii)

use of technical assistance

In case of coverage under the programme technical assistance of the establishment and functioning of national rural networks, the annual progress report shall describe the procedures for setting up and running the network and the state-of-play of the implementation of the action plan. It shall also indicate how expenditure was carried out (distinction between the elements covered by points (a) and (b) of Article 68(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005).

(iv)

steps taken to ensure that the programme is publicised in accordance with Article 76 of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005

The report shall include summary descriptions for information and publicity taken to provide information on the rural development programme in accordance with Article 58 of this Regulation and Annex VI thereto.

6. A declaration on compliance with Community policies in the context of the support, including identification of the problems encountered and the measures adopted to deal with them (Article 82(2)(f) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005) U.K.

This compliance with the Community law shall in particular cover the respect of rules on competition, public procurement, environmental protection and improvement, and promotion of gender equality and non-discrimination.

7. Where applicable, re-utilisation of aid recovered under Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 (Article 82(2)(g) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005) U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

B. FORMAT OF ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES COVERING NATIONAL RURAL NETWORKS (‘NRN’) (ARTICLE 60) U.K.

Where Member States make use of the possibility provided for in the second subparagraph of Article 66(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 the annual progress reports of the specific programmes shall include:

(a)

a description of the procedures for setting up and running the network,

(b)

the state-of-play of the implementation of the action plan,

(c)

a financial table showing the financial implementation of the programme and distinguishing between the elements covered by points (a) and (b) of Article 68(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005:

Type of expenditure for NRN	Annual payments-year N	Cumulative payments from year 2007 to year N
(a) for running the structure of the national rural network
(b) for implementing the action plan of the national rural network
Total

(d)

information, as appropriate, covered by points 4 to 7 of part A of this Annex.

ANNEX VIII U.K. LIST OF COMMON BASELINE, OUTPUT, RESULT AND IMPACT INDICATORS

I. COMMON BASELINE INDICATORS U.K.

1.

Baseline indicators related to objectives

a Refers to LEAD indicators in the framework of the national strategy and strategic monitoring foreseen in Article 11(3)c and 13(2)A of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005.
AXIS		Indicator
Horizontal	a 1	Economic development
	a 2	Employment rate
	a 3	Unemployment
AXIS 1, Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector	a 4	Training and education in agriculture
	5	Age structure in agriculture
	a 6	Labour productivity in agriculture
	7	Gross fixed capital formation in agriculture
	8	Employment development of primary sector
	9	Economic development of primary sector
	a 10	Labour productivity in food industry
	11	Gross fixed capital formation in food industry
	12	Employment development in food industry
	13	Economic development of food industry
	a 14	Labour productivity in forestry
	15	Gross fixed capital formation in forestry
	16	Importance of semi-subsistence farming in New Member States
AXIS 2, Improving the environment and the countryside through land management	a 17	Biodiversity: Population of farmland birds
	a 18	Biodiversity: High nature value farmland and forestry
	19	Biodiversity: Tree species composition
	a 20	Water quality: Gross Nutrient Balances
	21	Water quality: Pollution by nitrates and pesticides
	22	Soil: Areas at risk of soil erosion
	23	Soil: Organic farming
	a 24	Climate change: Production of renewable energy from agriculture and forestry
	25	Climate change: UAA devoted to renewable energy
	26	Climate change/air quality: gas emissions from agriculture
AXIS 3, Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity	a 27	Farmers with other gainful activity
	a 28	Employment development of non-agricultural sector
	a 29	Economic development of non-agricultural sector
	a 30	Self-employment development
	31	Tourism infrastructure in rural area
	a 32	Internet take-up in rural areas
	a 33	Development of services sector
	34	Net migration
	a 35	Lifelong learning in rural areas
Leader	a 36	Development of Local Action Groups

2.

Baseline indicators related to context

AXIS		Indicator
Horizontal	1	Designation of rural areas
	2	Importance of rural areas
AXIS 1, Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector	3	Agricultural land use
	4	Farm structure
	5	Forestry structure
	6	Forest productivity
AXIS 2, Improving the environment and the countryside through land management	7	Land cover
	8	Less favoured areas
	9	Areas of extensive agriculture
	10	Natura 2000 area
	11	Biodiversity: Protected forest
	12	Development of forest area
	13	Forest ecosystem health
	14	Water quality
	15	Water use
	16	Protective forests concerning primarily soil and water
AXIS 3, Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity	17	Population density
	18	Age structure
	19	Structure of the Economy
	20	Structure of Employment
	21	Long-term unemployment
	22	Educational attainment
	23	Internet Infrastructure

II. COMMON OUTPUT INDICATORS U.K.

AXIS 1

IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY SECTOR

a For each measure, number of applications received and number of applications approved will be provided.
Code	Measure	Output Indicatorsa
111	Vocational training and information actions	Number of participants in training Number of training days received
112	Setting up of young farmers	Number of assisted young farmers Total volume of investments
113	Early retirement	Number of farmers early retired Number of farm workers early retired Number of hectares released
114	Use of advisory services	Number of farmers supported Number of forest holders supported
115	Setting up of management, relief and advisory services	— Number of newly set up management, relief or advisory services
121	Modernisation of agricultural holdings	Number of farm holdings that received investment support total volume of investments
122	Improvement of the economic value of forests	Number of forest holdings that received investment support Total volume of investments
123	Adding value to agricultural and forestry products	Number of enterprises supported Total volume of investments
124	Cooperation for development of new products, processes and technologies in the agriculture and food sector and the forestry sector	— Number of cooperation initiatives supported
125	Infrastructure related to the development and adaptation of agriculture and forestry	Number of operations supported Total volume of investments
126	Restoring agricultural production potential damaged by natural disasters and introducing appropriate prevention actions	Supported area of damaged agricultural land Total volume of investments
131	Meeting standards based on Community legislation	— Number of beneficiaries
132	Participation of farmers in food quality schemes	— Number of supported farm holdings participating in a quality scheme
133	Information and promotion activities	— Number of supported actions
141	Semi-subsistence farming	— Number of semi-subsistence farm holdings supported
142	Producer groups	Number of supported producer groups Turnover of supported producer groups
[F4 144	Holdings undergoing restructuring due to a reform of a common market organisation	Number of holdings that received support]

AXIS 2

IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE COUNTRYSIDE THROUGH LAND MANAGEMENT

a For each measure, number of applications received and number of applications approved will be provided.
Code	Measure	Output Indicatorsa
211	Natural handicap payments to farmers in mountain areas	Number of supported holdings in mountain areas Supported agricultural land in mountain areas
212	Payments to farmers in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas	Number of supported holdings in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas Agricultural land area supported in areas with handicaps, other than mountain areas
213	Natura 2000 payments and payments linked to Directive 2000/60/EC	Number of supported holdings in Natura 2000 areas/under Water Framework Directive Supported agricultural land under Natura 2000/under Water Framework Directive
214	Agri-environment payments	Number of farm holdings and holdings of other land managers receiving support Total area under agri-environmental support Physical area under agri-environmental support under this measure Total Number of contracts Number of actions related to genetic resources
215	Animal welfare payments	Number of farm holdings receiving support Number of animal welfare contracts
216	Non-productive investments	Number of farm holdings and holdings of other land managers receiving support Total volume of investments
221	First afforestation of agricultural land	Number of beneficiaries receiving afforestation aid Number of ha afforested land
222	First establishment of agroforestry systems on agricultural land	Number of beneficiaries Number of ha under new agroforestry systems
223	First afforestation of non-agricultural land	Number of beneficiaries receiving afforestation aid Number of ha of afforested land
224	Natura 2000 payments	Number of forest holdings receiving aid in Natura 2000 area Supported forest land (ha) in Natura 2000 area
225	Forest-environment payments	Number of forest holdings receiving support Total forest area under forest environment support Physical forest area under forest environment support Number of Contracts
226	Restoring forestry potential and introducing prevention actions	Number of prevention/restoration actions Supported area of damaged forests Total volume of investments
227	Non-productive investments	Number of supported forest holders Total volume of investments

AXIS 3

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AREAS AND ENCOURAGING DIVERSIFICATION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

a For each measure, number of applications received and number of applications approved will be provided.
Code	Measure	Output indicatorsa
311	Diversification into non-agricultural activities	Number of beneficiaries Total volume of investments
312	Business creation and development	— Number of micro-enterprises supported/created
313	Encouragement of tourism activities	Number of new tourism actions supported Total volume of investments
321	Basic services for the economy and rural population	Number of supported actions Total volume of investments
322	Village renewal and developmen	Number of villages where actions took place Total volume of investments
323	Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage	Number of rural heritage actions supported Total volume of investments
331	Training and information	Number of participating economic actors to supported activities Number of days of training received by participants
341	Skills acquisition, animation and implementation of local development strategies	Number of skills acquisition and animation actions Number of participants in actions Number of public-private partnerships supported

AXIS 4

LEADER

a For each measure, number of applications received and number of applications approved will be provided.
Code	Measure	Output indicatorsa
41	Implementing local development strategies 411 — competitiveness 412 — environment/land management 413 — quality of life/diversification	Number of local action groups (‘LAG’) Total size of the LAG area (km2) Total population in LAG area Number of projects financed by LAGs Number of beneficiaries supported
421	Implementing cooperation projects	Number of cooperation projects Number of cooperating LAGs
431	Running the local action group, acquiring skills and animating the territory as referred to in Article 59	— Number of actions supported

III. COMMON RESULT INDICATORS U.K.

Axis/Objective	Indicator
Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector	(1) Number of participants that successfully ended a training activity related to agriculture and/or forestry (2) Increase in gross value added in supported holdings/enterprises (3) Number of holdings/enterprises introducing new products and/or new techniques (4) Value of agricultural production under recognized quality label/standards (5) Number of farms entering the market
Improving the environment and the countryside through land management	(6) Area under successful land management contributing to: (a) biodiversity and high nature value farming/forestry (b) water quality (c) climate change (d) soil quality (e) avoidance of marginalisation and land abandonment
Improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity	(7) Increase in non-agricultural gross value added in supported businesses (8) Gross number of jobs created (9) Additional number of tourists (10) Population in rural areas benefiting from improved services (11) Increase in Internet penetration in rural areas (12) Number of participants that successfully ended a training activity

IV. COMMON IMPACT INDICATORS U.K.

	Indicator
1	Economic growth
2	Employment creation
3	Labour productivity
4	Reversing biodiversity decline
5	Maintenance of high nature value farmland and forestry
6	Improvement in water quality
7	Contribution to combating climate change

(1)

[F1 OJ L 299, 2.10.2007, p. 1 .

(2)

OJ L 148, 6.6.2008, p. 1 .

(3)

OJ L 30, 31.1.2009, p. 16 .

(4)

OJ L 58, 28.2.2006, p. 42 .

(5)

OJ L 42, 14.2.2006, p. 1 .

(6)

OJ L 265, 26.9.2006, p. 1 .]

(7)

OJ L 55, 25.2.2006, p. 20.

(8)

OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1.

(9)

OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, p. 30.

(10)

OJ L 243, 6.9.2006, p. 6.

(11)

[F2 OJ L 69, 9.3.2007, p. 5 .]

(12)

Details for Directive 2000/60/EC will be issued at a later stage.

(13)

[F1 Table 6.2 needs to be replicated for each sub-amount of the EAFRD contribution shown in one row in Table 6.1.]

(14)

OJ L 325, 28.10.2004, p. 4.

(15)

OJ L 142, 14.5.1998, p. 1.

(16)

OJ L 140, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

(17)

[F6 OJ L 379, 28.12.2006, p. 5 .]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 363/2009 of 4 May 2009 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

F2 Inserted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 434/2007 of 20 April 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 by reason of Accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union.

F6 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1175/2008 of 27 November 2008 amending and correcting Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).