The decision comes after requests for an extension from a number of EU member countries after changes to their administrative systems for handling applications had impacted farmers' ability to submit the claims on time.

The measure applies to both applications for direct payments to farmers and for claims for funding under national rural development programmes. Both are funded through the allocations granted to each EU country under the common agricultural policy.

Commissioner Hogan stressed that while the extension had been granted to allow the claims and applications to be made in time, the member states that decide to take up the option to postpone the final date for submission must still ensure that rules on sound financial management are respected.

Via ec.europa.eu