"Sharing data between organisations is not something that can be achieved overnight but we are pleased that all the organisations involved in the current red tape review are very positive in trying to reduce the number of inspections on farm," that was one of the messages from Gary Haggaty, Head of Farm Development for the Welsh Assembly Government to members of NFU Cymru"e;s Welsh Council.
Mr Haggaty, along with Peredur Hughes, who is the Independent External Advisor for the "e;Red Tape Review"e; panel, were present at NFU Cymru"e;s meeting of Welsh Council to give a progress report on the work of the red tape review which started in January 2008.
Mr Haggaty said, "Our policy at the Welsh Assembly Government is to keep red tape to an absolute minimum. We appreciate at the moment it is confusing for the farmer and for those inspecting. Our aim is to reduce the number of inspections, reduce the amount of inspectors on farm and reduce the number of movement books so that we have consistent collation of data.
"What we would like to see is one standard movement book for sheep and one standard movement book for cattle and I would like to think that one day in the future it could all be done on the computer without any books."
Mr Haggaty concluded, "There is obviously a long way to go, we have not set a specific time scale and we have no end date it will be an evolving process. If we get it right, it will be part of the work routine, which has already started with staff training initiatives."
Peredur Hughes, said, "If we could achieve 75% of the action plan I would be happy. My greatest concern is that Wales has 22 different local authorities and we should not underestimate the hurdle of getting Trading Standards departments from across Wales working together and with the Assembly but unless we can get them on board we will not be able to achieve our targets."
Dai Davies, NFU Cymru President closed by saying, "The Red Tape review is something that the Union has sought after for some considerable amount of time and we are determined to play our part in reducing the burden of unnecessary paperwork and inspections on farmers."