Increased use of satellite technology can help member states to significantly increase the efficiency of on-the-spot checks necessary for CAP payments.
That’s according to EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan who was visiting the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) this week.
Commissioner Hogan said he had the opportunity to see the tremendous work being done by the JRC in terms of developing satellite technology and in using the provided data in the most efficient way.
“I am certain that there is great potential for further developments in both the technology and, equally importantly, the access to that technology.
“We already have satellite technology and the benefits are obvious. Greater use of it will reduce the dependence on labour and time-intensive on-the-spot checks,” he said.
Hogan said the effect of the increased use of satellite technology is that, besides better farm efficiency, there is potential for a significant reduction of on-farm inspections, which will benefit farmers as well as regional and national authorities.
“The greater investment in and use of this technology is a win-win situation for all stakeholders and, I believe that we can make significant progress in the next three years. I am committed to ensuring that my services work closely with colleagues in the JRC for the benefit of all involved in this sector, which is of critical importance for economic growth in Europe,” he said.
In Ireland some 85% of the required inspections are initially being carried out without the need for a farm visit as the information needed is acquired using the technique of remote sensing via satellite.
