(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Organic Farming Regulations 1999 (as amended) (“the principal Regulations”) which provide for the payment of aid to farmers who undertake to introduce organic farming methods and comply with certain environmental management conditions, pursuant to Article 2(1)(a) and (d) of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (OJ No. L215, 30.7.92, p. 85) (“the Agri-environment Regulation”). The Agri-environment Regulation was repealed by Article 55(1) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1257/99 (OJ No. L160, 26.6.99, p.80), but, by virtue of Article 55(3) of the latter Regulation, the Agri-environment Regulation continues to apply to actions approved by the Commission before 1st January 2000.
The principal Regulations were amended by the Organic Farming (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2735), which came into force on 5th October 1999, to provide that the Minister shall not, subject to the limited exception contained in regulation 6A(2), accept any application for aid unless it was received before 5th October 1999.
These Regulations further amend the principal Regulations to extend the application period by postponing the final date for receipt of applications to 1st December 1999 (regulation 4(a)). The period between the coming into force of S.I. 1999/2735 and the coming into force of these Regulations is not to be taken into account in calculating the three month period prescribed by regulation 6(2), that is to say the period beginning with the issue of a certificate of registration, and within which applications must be received by the Minister (regulation 4(b)).
No regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations.