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ANNEX IU.K.

PART 1U.K. Presentation of the content of rural development programmes

1. Title of the rural development programme (RDP) U.K.

2. Member State or administrative region U.K.

(a)

Geographical area covered by the programme.

(b)

Classification of the region.

3. Ex ante evaluation U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(a)

Description of the process, including timing of main events, intermediate reports, in relation to the key stages of RDP development.

(b)

Structured table containing the recommendations of the ex ante evaluation and how they have been addressed.

(c)

The complete ex ante evaluation report (including the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) requirements) shall be annexed to the RDP.

4. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (‘SWOT’) and identification of needs U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(a)

SWOT analysis containing the following sections:

(i)

comprehensive overall description of the current situation of the programming area, based on common and programme-specific context indicators and other qualitative up-to-date information;

(ii)

strengths identified in the programming area;

(iii)

weaknesses identified in the programming area;

(iv)

opportunities identified in the programming area;

(v)

threats identified in the programming area;

(vi)

structured table containing the data for the common and programme-specific context indicators.

(b)

Needs assessment, based on evidence from the SWOT analysis, for each Union priority for rural development (hereafter ‘priority’) and focus area and the three cross-cutting objectives (environment, including the specific needs of Natura 2000 areas according to the Prioritized Action Framework(1), climate change mitigation and adaptation, innovation).

5. Description of the strategy U.K.

(a)

A justification of the needs selected to be addressed by the RDP, and the choice of objectives, priorities, focus areas and the target setting based on evidence from the SWOT and the needs assessment. Where relevant, a justification of thematic sub-programmes included in the programme. The justification shall in particular demonstrate the fulfilment of the requirements referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(i) and (iv) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.

(b)

The combination and justification of the rural development measures for each focus area including the justification of the financial allocations to the measures and the adequacy of the financial ressources with the targets set, as referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013. The combination of measures included in the intervention logic shall be based on the evidence from the SWOT analysis and justification and prioritisation of needs referred to in point (a).

(c)

A description of how the cross-cutting objectives will be addressed, including the specific requirements referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.

(d)

A summary table of the intervention logic showing the priorities and focus areas selected for the RDP, the quantified targets, and the combination of measures to be used to achieve them, including the planned expenditure. The summary table shall be automatically generated from the information provided in point 5(b) and point 11, using the characteristics of the electronic data exchange system (‘SFC2014’) referred to in Article 4(a) and (b) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 184/2014(2).

(e)

A description of the advisory capacity to ensure adequate advice and support for the regulatory requirements and for actions related to innovation to demonstrate the measures taken as required in Article 8(1)(c)(vi) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.

6. Assessment of ex ante conditionalities comprising the following structured tables: U.K.

(a)

Information on the assessment of the applicability of ex-ante conditionalities.

(b)

For each applicable general and priority-linked ex-ante conditionality in one table:

(i)

assessment of its fulfilment and;

(ii)

list of priorities/focus areas and measures to which the conditionality applies. An indicative list of priorities/focus areas and measures of particular relevance to each ex-ante conditionality is set out in Part 4;

(iii)

list of relevant criteria as well as an assessment of their fulfilment;

(iv)

references to the strategies, legal acts or other relevant documents, including references to relevant sections, articles documenting the fulfilment of a given criterion.

(c)

Two separate tables, one for applicable general and one for applicable priority linked ex-ante conditionalities which are completely unfulfilled or partially unfulfilled providing each the following information:

(i)

identification of the criteria not fulfilled;

(ii)

actions to be taken for the fulfilment of each of those criteria;

(iii)

deadlines for these actions; and

(iv)

bodies responsible for the fulfilment.

7. Description of the performance framework U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(a)

Where relevant, information on the selection of the indicators as referred to in Article 14(2), of milestones, of key implementation steps, as well as of the allocation of the performance reserve. The target-setting shall be justified under the strategy, in accordance with point 5(a).

(b)

A table setting out for each priority the allocation of the performance reserve, and for each indicator:

(i)

targets for 2023. Targets shall not take into account additional national financing as referred to in points 12, and state aid in the form of additional national funding as referred to in point 13;

(ii)

milestones for 2018 based on the targets.

In case the total EAFRD amount allocated to the performance reserve differs from the pro-rata distribution(3) of the total national EAFRD performance reserve allocation in the partnership agreement to all national and regional programmes, with the exception of national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and specific programmes for the establishment and the operation of the national rural network referred to in the second subparagraph of Article 54(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, justification of the amount of the performance reserve allocation.

8. Description of the measures selected U.K.

(1)Description of the general conditions applied to more than one measure including, where relevant, definition of rural area, baselines, cross-compliance, intended use of financial instruments, intended use of advances and common provisions for investments, including the provisions of Articles 45 and 46 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.U.K.

Where relevant, the list of allowed combinations of commitments referred to in Article 11(1) shall be annexed to the RDP.

(2)Description by measure including:U.K.

(a)

legal basis.

(b)

general description of the measure including its intervention logic and contribution to focus areas and cross-cutting objectives.

(c)

[F1scope, level of support, eligible beneficiaries, and where relevant, methodology for calculation of the amount or support rate broken down by sub-measure and/or type of operation where necessary. For each type of operation specification of eligible costs, eligibility conditions, applicable amounts and support rates and principles with regard to the setting of selection criteria. Where support is provided to a financial instrument implemented under points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of Article 38(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, description of the type of financial instrument, general categories of final recipients, general categories of eligible costs and maximum level of support.]

(d)

description of the verifiability and controllability of the measures and/or types of operations:

(i)

risk(s) in the implementation of the measures and/or type of operations;

(ii)

mitigating actions;

(iii)

overall assessment of the measure and/or type of operations.’

For the measure under Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, the description shall include a table illustrating the relation between agri-environment-climate commitments and the methods of their verification and control.

(e)

description specific to each measure and/or type of operation as follows:

1. Knowledge transfer and information actions (Article 14 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition of appropriate capacities of bodies providing knowledge transfer services to carry out their tasks in the form of staff qualifications and regular training;

  • definition of the duration and content of farm and forest exchange schemes and visits as referred to in Article 3 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014.

2. Advisory services, farm management and farm relief services (Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • general principles to ensure appropriate resources in the form of regularly trained and qualified staff and advisory experience and reliability with respect to the field of advice. Identification of the elements that the advice will cover.

3. Quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs (Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • indication of eligible quality schemes, including farm certification schemes, for agricultural products, cotton or foodstuffs recognized at national level and confirmation that these quality schemes are fulfilling the criteria laid down in Article 16(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • indication of eligible voluntary agricultural product certification schemes recognized by the Member State as meeting the Union best practice guidelines.

4. Investments in physical assets (Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition of non productive investments;

  • definition of collective investments;

  • definition of integrated projects;

  • definition and identification of the eligible Natura 2000 sites and other eligible areas of high nature value;

  • description of the targeting of the support to farms in accordance with the SWOT carried out in relation to the priority referred to in Article 5(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • list of new requirements imposed by Union legislation for complying with which support may be granted under Article 17(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • where relevant, the minimum standards for energy efficiency referred to in Article 13(c) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014;

  • where relevant, definition of the thresholds referred to in Article 13(e) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014.

[F15. Farm and business development (Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition of small farm referred to in Article 19(1)(a)(iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • definition of the actions referred to in point (s) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 ( date of setting up );

  • definition of upper and lower thresholds as referred to in the fifth subparagraph of Article 19(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • specific conditions for support for young farmers where they are not setting up as a sole head of the holding in accordance with Article 2(1) and (2) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014;

  • information on the application of the grace period referred to in Article 2(3) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014;

  • summary of the requirements of the business plan;

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

  • domains of diversification covered.]

6. Basic services and village reveal in rural areas (Article 20 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Definition of small scale infrastructure, including small scale tourism infrastructure as referred to in Article 20(1)(e) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • if applicable, specific derogation allowing to support bigger scale infrustructure for investments in broad band and renewable energy;

  • the minimum standards for energy efficiency referred to in Article 13(c) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014;

  • definition of the thresholds referred to in Article 13(e) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014.

7. Investments in forest area development and improvement of the viability of forests (Article 21 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition and justification of the holding size above which support will be conditional on the submission of a forest management plan or equivalent instrument in line with sustainable forest management;

  • definition of an ‘equivalent instrument’.

Afforestation and creation of woodlands U.K.
  • Identification of species, areas and methods to be used to avoid inappropriate afforestation as referred to in Article 6(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014, including the description of the environmental and climatic conditions of the areas in which afforestation is foreseen as referred to in Article 6(b) of that Regulation;

  • definition of the minimum environmental requirements referred to in Article 6 of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 807/2014.

Establishment of agro-forestry systems U.K.
  • Specification of minimum and maximum number of trees to be planted and, when mature, to be retained, per hectare and forest species to be used as referred to in Article 23(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • indication of expected environmental benefits of the supported systems.

Prevention and restoration of damage from forest fires and natural disasters and catastrophic events U.K.
  • Where relevant, list of species of organisms harmful to plants which may cause a disaster;

  • identification of forest areas classified as being at medium to high risk of forest fire according to the relevant forest protection plan;

  • in case of preventive actions concerning pests and diseases, description of a relevant disaster occurrence, supported by scientific evidence, including, where relevant, recommendations on dealing with pests and diseases made by scientific organisations.

Investments improving the resilience and environmental value of forest ecosystems U.K.
  • Definition of types of eligible investment and their expected environmental outcome and/or public amenity value.

8. Setting up of producer groups and organisations (Article 27 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Description of the official procedure for recognising the groups and organisations.

9. Agri-environment-climate (Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Identification and definition of the relevant baseline elements; this shall include the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to Chapter I of Title VI of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(4), the relevant criteria and minimum activities established pursuant to Article 4(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5), the relevant minimum requirements for fertilisers and plant protection products use, and other relevant mandatory requirements established by national law;

  • the minimum requirements for fertilisers must include, inter alia, the Codes of Good Practice introduced by Council Directive 91/676/EEC(6) for farms outside nitrate vulnerable zones, and requirements concerning phosphorous pollution; the minimum requirements for plant protection products use must include, inter alia, general principles for integrated pest management introduced by Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(7), 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, established by national legislation;

  • a table illustrating the relation between agri-environment-climate commitments and relevant usual farming practices and the relevant elements of the reference level (baseline elements), i.e. good agricultural and environmental conditions and statutory management requirements, minimum requirements for fertilisers and pesticides, other relevant national/regional requirements, and minimum activities.

  • list of local breeds in danger of being lost to farming and of plant genetic resources under threat of genetic erosion;

  • description of the methodology and of the agronomic assumptions and parameters including the description of the baseline requirements as referred to in Article 28(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, which are relevant for each particular type of commitment used as reference for the calculations justifying additional costs, income foregone resulting from the commitment made and level of the transaction costs; where relevant, that methodology shall take into account aid granted under Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, including payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment, in order to exclude double funding; where appropriate, the conversion method used for other units in accordance with Article 9 of this Regulation.

10. Organic farming (Article 29 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Identification and definition of the relevant baseline elements; this shall include the relevant mandatory standards established pursuant to Chapter I of Title VI of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the relevant criteria and minimum activities established pursuant to Article 4(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, the relevant minimum requirements for fertilisers and plant protection products use, and other relevant mandatory requirements established by national law;

  • Description of the methodology and of the agronomic assumptions and parameters including the description of the baseline requirements referred to in Article 29(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 which are relevant for each particular type of commitment, used as reference for the calculations justifying additional costs, income foregone resulting from the commitment made and level of the transaction costs; where relevant, that methodology shall take into account aid granted under Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, including payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment, in order to exclude double funding; where appropriate, the conversion method used for other units in accordance with Article 9 of this Regulation.

11. Natura 2000 and Water Framework Directive (‘WFD’) payments (Article 30 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • for Natura 2000: the areas designated to implement Council Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(8) and the obligations for farmers resulting from the corresponding national and/or regional management provisions;

  • in case other delimited nature protection areas with environmental restrictions are chosen to be supported within this measure, specification of the sites and contribution to the implementation of Article 10 of Directive 92/43/EEC;

  • for WFD payments: definition of major changes in type of land use and description of the links with the programmes of measures of the river basin management plan referred to in Article 13 of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council(9) (‘WFD’);

  • identification and definition of the baseline elements; for Natura 2000 payments this shall include the good agricultural and environmental condition referred to in Article 94 and Annex II to Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 and the relevant criteria and minimum activities referred to in Article 4(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013; for WFD payments this shall include mandatory standards established pursuant to Chapter I of Title VI of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 and the relevant criteria and minimum activities established pursuant to Article 4(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013;

  • indication of the link between the implementation of the measure and the Prioritized Action Framwework (Art 8(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC);

  • identification of the restrictions/disadvantages based on which payments can be granted and indication of compulsory practices;

  • description of the methodology and the agronomic assumptions including the description of the baseline requirements referred to in Article 30(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 for Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC and in Article 30(4) of that Regulation for the WFD used as reference for the calculations justifying additional costs and income foregone resulting from the disadvantages in the areas concerned related to the implementation of Directives 92/43/EEC, 2009/147/EC and the WFD; where relevant, that methodology shall take into account payment for agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment granted in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013, in order to exclude double funding.

12. Payments to areas facing natural or other specific constraints (Article 31 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition of the threshold level of area per holding on the basis of which the Member State calculates degressivity of payments;

Designation of areas facing natural and other specific constraints U.K.
  • description of the local unit-level applied for the designation of the areas;

  • description of the application of the method including the criteria referred to in Article 32 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 for the delimitation of the three categories of areas referred to in that Article including the description and results of the fine-tuning exercise for areas facing natural and other specific constraints other than mountain areas.

13. Animal welfare (Article 33 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • definition and identification of the national and the Union requirements corresponding to the mandatory standards established pursuant to Chapter I of Title VI of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013;

  • description of the methodology and of the agronomic/zoo-technical assumptions and parameters, including the description of the baseline requirements referred to in Article 33(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 which are relevant for each particular type of commitment, used as reference for the calculations justifying additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment made.

14. Forest-environmental and climate services and forest conservation (Article 34 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Definition and justification of the holding size above which support will be conditional on the submission of a forest management plan or equivalent instrument;

  • definition of an ‘equivalent instrument’;

  • identification of relevant mandatory requirements established by the national forestry act or other relevant national legislation;

  • description of the methodology and of the assumptions and parameters, including the description of the baseline requirements as referred to in Article 34(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 which are relevant for each particular type of commitment, used as reference for the calculations justifying additional costs and income foregone resulting from the commitment made.

15. Cooperation (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • Specification of the characteristics of pilot projects, clusters, networks, short supply chains and local markets.

[F116. Risk management (Articles 36 to 39a of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013)] U.K.
  • Description of mechanisms to ensure that no overcompensation takes place.

Crop, animal, and plant insurance U.K.
  • Description of conditions for insurance contracts to be eligible for support, to include at least:

    (a)

    particular risks insured against,

    (b)

    particular economic losses covered;

  • rules to be used for establishing the calculation of the proportion of the average annual production of a farmer which has been destroyed.

Mutual funds for adverse climatic events, animal and plant diseases, pest infestations and environmental incidents U.K.
  • Principles for funding arrangements, constitution and management of the mutual funds, to include in particular:

    (a)

    the list of adverse climatic events, animal or plant diseases, pest infestations or environmental incidents which may give rise to compensation to be paid to farmers, including geographical scope where appropriate,

    (b)

    the criteria for assessing whether a given event shall give rise to the payment of compensation to farmers,

    (c)

    the methods for calculating the additional costs which constitute economic losses,

    (d)

    the calculation of the administrative costs,

    (e)

    the method to be used for establishing the calculation of the proportion of the average annual production of a farmer which has been destroyed,

    (f)

    any limits to the costs that are eligible for a financial contribution;

  • where the source of the financial compensation to be paid by the mutual fund is a commercial loan, minimum and maximum duration of the commercial loan.

Income stabilisation tool U.K.
  • Principles for funding arrangements, constitution and management of the mutual funds, for granting of compensation payments to farmers, to include in particular:

    (a)

    the calculation of the administrative costs,

    (b)

    rules to be used for establishing the calculation of the drop in income,

    (c)

    any limits to the costs that are eligible for a financial contribution;

  • where the source of the financial compensation to be paid by the mutual fund is a commercial loan, minimum and maximum duration of the commercial loan.

17. Community-led local development (LEADER) (Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, Articles 43 and 44 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) U.K.
  • description of the obligatory community-led local development (hereafter ‘CLLD’) elements of which the LEADER measure is composed: preparatory support, implementation of operations under the CLLD strategy, preparation and implementation of cooperation activities of the local action group (hereafter ‘LAG’), running costs and animation, referred to in Article 35(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

  • description of the use of the LEADER start-up-kit referred to in Article 43 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 as specific type of preparatory support, if relevant;

  • description of the system for ongoing application for LEADER cooperation projects referred to in Article 44(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

  • the procedure and the timetable to select the local development strategies;

  • justification for selection of geographical areas for local development strategy implementation whose population falls outside the limits laid down in Article 33(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

  • coordination with the other European Structural and Investment (hereafter ‘ESI’) Funds as regards CLLD, including possible solution applied with regard to the use of the lead fund option, and any global complementarities between the ESI Funds in financing the preparatory support;

  • possibility or not of paying advances;

  • definition of the tasks of the Managing Authority, the paying agency and the LAGs under LEADER, in particular with regard to a non-discriminatory and transparent selection procedure and objective criteria for the selection of operations referred to in Article 34(3)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

  • description of coordination mechanisms foreseen and complementarities ensured with operations supported under other rural development measures especially as regards:

    • investments in non-agricultural activities and business start-up aid under Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013,

    • investments under Article 20 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 and

    • cooperation under Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 in particular implementation of local development strategies by public-private partnerships.

9. Evaluation plan, containing the following sections U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(1)Objectives and purposeU.K.

A statement of the objectives and purpose of the evaluation plan, based on ensuring that sufficient and appropriate evaluation activities are undertaken, in particular to provide information needed for programme steering, for the annual implementation reports in 2017 and 2019 and the ex-post evaluation, and to ensure that data needed for RDP evaluation are available.

(2)Governance and coordinationU.K.

Brief description of the monitoring and evaluation arrangements for the RDP, identifying the main bodies involved and their responsibilities. Explanation of how evaluation activities are linked with RDP implementation in terms of content and timing.

(3)Evaluation topics and activitiesU.K.

Indicative description of evaluation topics and activities anticipated, including, but not limited to, fulfilment of evaluation requirements provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013. It shall cover:

(a)

activities needed to evaluate the contribution of each RDP Union priority as referred to in Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 to the rural development objectives laid down in Article 4 of that Regulation, assessment of result and impact indicator values, analysis of net effects, thematic issues, including sub-programmes, cross-cutting issues, national rural network, contribution of CLLD strategies;

(b)

planned support for evaluation at LAG level;

(c)

programme specific elements such as work needed to develop methodologies or to address specific policy areas.

(4)Data and informationU.K.

Brief description of the system to record, maintain, manage and report statistical information on RDP implementation and provision of monitoring data for evaluation. Identification of data sources to be used, data gaps, potential institutional issues related to data provision, and proposed solutions. This section shall demonstrate that appropriate data management systems will be operational in due time.

(5)TimelineU.K.

Major milestones of the programming period, and indicative outline of the timing needed to ensure that results are available at the appropriate time.

(6)CommunicationU.K.

Description of how evaluation findings will be disseminated to target recipients, including a description of the mechanisms established to follow-up on the use of evaluation results.

(7)ResourcesU.K.

Description of the resources needed and foreseen to implement the evaluation plan, including an indication of administrative capacity, data, financial resources, IT needs. Description of capacity building activities foreseen to ensure that the evaluation plan can be fully implemented.

10. Financing plan, comprising separate structured tables setting out:U.K.

(a) The annual EAFRD contribution U.K.

(i)

for all types of the regions referred to in Article 59(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013,

(ii)

for the amounts referred to in Article 59(4)(f) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, and funds transferred to the EAFRD, referred to in Article 58(6) of that Regulation,

(iii)

for resources allocated to the performance reserve in accordance with Article 20 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

(b) The single EAFRD contribution rate for all measures broken down by type of region as referred to in Article 59(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;U.K.

(c) The breakdown by measure or type of operation with a specific EAFRD contribution rate:U.K.

(i)

total Union contribution, EAFRD contribution rate, and indicative breakdown of the total Union contribution by focus area(10),

(ii)

for the measures referred to in Articles 17 and 30 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 the total Union contribution reserved for operations referred to in Article 59(6) of that Regulation,

(iii)

for technical assistance the total Union contribution and the EAFRD contribution rate used in accordance with Article 51(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013,

(iv)

for the expenditure related to legal commitments to beneficiaries incurred under the measures of Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, which have no correspondence in the programming period 2014 to 2020, the total Union contribution and the EAFRD contribution rate[F1,]

(v)

[F2for the operations implemented in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 where the minimum loss threshold is set to 20 % and for operations implemented in accordance with 39a of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 the indicative total Union contribution and the indicative contribution rate.]

When a measure or a type of operation with specific EAFRD contribution rate contributes to the financial instruments referred to in Article 38(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, the table shall indicate separately the contribution rates for financial instruments and for other operations and an indicative EAFRD amount corresponding to the planned contribution to the financial instrument.

For the measure referred to in Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, the EAFRD contribution reserved for operations falling within the scope of Article 59(6) of that Regulation corresponds to the contribution of the measure to the priorities laid down in Article 5(4) and (5) of that Regulation.

[F2For the purpose of interim payments referred to in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013, the payment of the balance referred to in Article 37, and the clearance of accounts referred to in Article 51 of that Regulation, the EAFRD contribution to be paid in respect of the eligible public expenditure of the programme concerned shall be respected at the measure level;]

(d) For each sub-programme an indicative breakdown by measure of the total Union contribution by measure.U.K.

11. Indicator plan, comprising separate structured tables setting out:U.K.

(a)

by focus area, the quantified targets accompanied by planned outputs and planned total public expenditure of the measures selected to address the focus area;

(b)

for agriculture and forestry the detailed calculation of the targets of priorities laid down in Article 5(4) and Article 5(5)(d) and (e) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

(c)

qualitatively, the additional contribution of measures to other focus areas.

12. Additional national financing: U.K.

For measures and operations falling within the scope of Article 42 of the Treaty, a table on additional national financing per measure in accordance with Article 82 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, including the amounts per measure and indication of compliance with the criteria under that Regulation.

13. Elements needed for State aid assessment: U.K.

For the measures and operations which fall outside the scope of Article 42 of the Treaty, the table of aid schemes falling under Article 81(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 to be used for the implementation of the programmes, including the title of the aid scheme, as well as the EAFRD contribution, national cofinancing and additional national funding. Compatibility with Union State aid rules must be ensured over the entire duration of the programme.

The table shall be accompanied by a commitment from the Member State that, where required under State aid rules or under specific conditions in a State aid approval decision, such measures will be notified individually pursuant to Article 108(3) of the Treaty.

14. Information on complementarity containing the following sections:U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

(1)Description of means for the complementarity and coherence with:U.K.

(2)Where relevant, information on the complementarity with other Union instruments, including LIFE(11).U.K.

15. Programme implementing arrangements, containing the following sections:U.K.

For national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 only points (a), (b) and (c) of this point are applicable

(a)

the designation by the Member State of all authorities referred to in Article 65(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 and a summary description of the management and control structure of the programme referred to in Article 8(1)(m)(i) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 and arrangements under Article 74(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

(b)

the envisaged composition of the Monitoring Committee;

(c)

provisions to ensure that the programme is publicised, including through the national rural network, making reference to the information and publicity strategy referred to in Article 13;

(d)

description of mechanisms to ensure coherence with regard to local development strategies implemented under LEADER, activities envisaged under the cooperation measure referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013, the basic services and village renewal in rural areas measure referred to in Article 20 of that Regulation, and other ESI Funds;

(e)

description of actions to achieve a reduction of administrative burden for beneficiaries referred to in Article 27(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013;

(f)

description of the use of technical assistance including actions related to the preparation, management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control of the programme and its implementation, as well as the activities concerning previous or subsequent programming periods as referred to in Article 59(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013.

16. Actions taken to involve partners U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

List of actions taken to involve partners, subject and summary of the outcome of the corresponding consultations.

17. National rural network U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

Description of:

(a)

the procedure and the timetable for establishing the national rural network (hereinafter ‘NRN’);

(b)

the planned organisation of the NRN, namely the way organisations and administrations involved in rural development, including the partners, as referred to in Article 54(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 will be involved and how the networking activities will be facilitated;

(c)

a summary description of the main categories of activity to be undertaken by the NRN in accordance with the objectives of the programme;

(d)

the resources available for establishing and operating the NRN.

18. Ex ante assessment of verifiability, controllability and error risk U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

19. Transitional arrangements U.K.

Not applicable to national programmes dedicated to joint instruments implemented by the EIB referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013

20. Thematic sub-programmes U.K.

20.1. SWOT and identification of needs U.K.

(a)

Analysis based on the SWOT methodology containing the following sections:

(i)

comprehensive overall description of the theme of the sub-programme using common and programme-specific context indicators and qualitative information;

(ii)

strengths identified with regard to the theme of the sub-programme;

(iii)

weaknesses with regard to the theme of the sub-programme;

(iv)

opportunities with regard to the theme of the sub-programme;

(v)

threats with regard to the theme of the sub-programme;

(b)

needs assessment, based on evidence from the SWOT analysis, for each priority and focus area and the three cross-cutting objectives (environment, climate change mitigation and adaption, innovation) to which the thematic sub-programme contributes.

20.2. Description of the strategy U.K.

(a)

Where not all the needs identified under point 20(1)(b) can be addressed by the thematic sub-programme, a justification of the needs selected to be addressed and the choice of objectives, priorities and focus areas based on evidence from the SWOT and the needs assessment;

(b)

the combination and justification of the rural development measures for each focus area to which the thematic sub-programme contributes, including the justification of the financial allocations to the measures and the adequacy of the financial ressources with the targets set as referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(ii) and (iii) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013. The combination of measures included in the intervention logic shall be based on the evidence from the SWOT analysis and, where relevant, justification and prioritisation of needs under point (a);

(c)

a description of how the cross-cutting themes will be addressed, including the specific requirements referred to in Article 8(1)(c)(v) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013;

(d)

a summary table of the intervention logic showing the priorities and focus areas selected for the sub-programme, the quantified targets, and the combination of measures to be used to achieve them, including the planned expenditure. The summary table shall be automatically generated from the information provided in point 5(b) and point 11, using the characteristics of SFC2014.

20.3. Indicator plan, comprising separate structured tables setting out:U.K.

(a)

By focus area, quantified targets accompanied by planned outputs and planned total public expenditure of the measures selected to address the focus area;

(b)

for agriculture and forestry, the detailed calculation of the targets of priorities laid down in Article 5(4) and Article 5(5)(d) and (e) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.

(1)

Article 8(4) of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7).

(2)

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 184/2014 of 25 February 2014 laying down pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the terms and conditions applicable to the electronic data exchange system between the Member States and the Commission and adopting pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1299/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on specific provisions for the support from the European Regional Development Fund to the European territorial cooperation goal, the nomenclature of the categories of intervention for support from the European Regional Development Fund under the European territorial cooperation goal (OJ L 57, 27.2.2014, p. 7).

(3)

Using the total EAFRD contribution to each of the programmes concerned.

(4)

Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 352/78, (EC) No 165/94, (EC) No 2799/98, (EC) No 814/2000, (EC) No 1290/2005 and (EC) No 485/2008 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 549).

(5)

Regulation (EU) No 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the common agricultural policy and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 637/2008 and Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 608).

(6)

Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1).

(7)

Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 71).

(8)

Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7).

(9)

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).

(10)

The indicative breakdown of the total Union contribution by focus area is to be used within the context of the contribution of the rural development programme to the thematic objectives and climate change objectives referred to in Article 15(1)(a)(iv) of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013, of suspensions referred to in Articles 19(5) and 22(6) of that Regulation and, where relevant, of the calculation of amounts to be reserved under Article 59(6) of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013.

(11)

Article 8(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1293/2013of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the establishment of a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 614/2007 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 185).