One-off Parcel Registration for farmers (EPR)

The average farmer has a lot of paperwork to do each year in order to complete the necessary reports and to obtain the necessary subsidies. Therefore the Environment and Agriculture Administrations provided the one-off parcel registration (EPR) and an e-window for farmers where they can register their parcels, follow up milk quotas and fill out (European) support applications. Together, EPR and e-window halve the farmer’s paperwork. In addition, the automatic checks ensure an exponential reduction of the percentage of errors, which in turn reduces the risk for the farmer of incurring European sanctions if he should unintentionally violate the rules.

Description of target users and groups

Farmers active in the Flanders region

Description of the way to implement the initiative

The farmer logs on using his electronic identity card. Via the MAGDA platform, the application obtains all useful basic information from the Flemish Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (VKBO) and the State Register. In a next step, he arrives at the platform which the ministries for agriculture and environment jointly developed. There, he has all relevant data recorded since 1996 at his disposal, and he can start work at once. The requirements of this European blueprint were incorporated in the application. At each step in the procedure, sufficient checks are performed and if necessary the user receives an instant error message or suggestion. This avoids many mistakes and contradictory information, as well as possible fines or non-payments.

Technology solution

Technology choice: Standards-based technology, Mainly (or only) open standards

Main results, benefits and impacts

Based on the existing databases of the agriculture and environment administrations, the Flemish government developed a new common database. This led to the One-off Parcel Registration (EPR): each parcel only appears in one single database. Both the farmer and the administrations work with these unique data. The result is less work and less mistakes. In 2007 Flanders numbered some 44,000 active farmers. The e-window, which was launched in 2007, is increasingly used. International experience shows that 20% after three to four years is a realistic target. Thanks to intensive collaboration with the agricultural sector, the project received very positive press coverage in the world of agriculture. Meanwhile, already 12,000 access requests to the application have been received. The e-window catches on instantly with young farmers and agricultural consultants especially. This high percentage of access applications was made possible by collaborating closely together with farmers and their organisations from the very beginning. Offering a straightforward and intuitive application for parcel registration will ensure that the 20% are rapidly achieved. Before, farmers often had to submit an application for the same parcel with both the agricultural and environment administrations. With EPR, he only has to do this once. This measure alone reduces the farmer’s administrative workload by 45%. In addition, he saves between 50 and 70% since he has to supply less data and has fewer contacts with the authorities.

Return on investment

Return on investment: Not applicable / Not available

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1 - Take time to listen to each other and to the target group: The agriculture and environment administrations sat around the table to look for the best way to integrate both databases. Indeed, both administrations needed the guarantee that all relevant data were kept in place. At the same time, a reference group was composed from the early stages onwards, consisting of 37 farmers and representatives of their organisations. We assembled twice a year and in between meetings we exchanged information digitally. Lesson 2 - Start with the back office: Make a thorough business analysis before getting to work. In the case of EPR, it was necessary to integrate the two databases. Also, get the help of good legal advisors from the very beginning. They can adapt the legislation where necessary. Lesson 3 - Do not set up a front office on instinct: After all, as an administration you will not be using the interface yourself. Listen to the farmers test group and act on their comments. The user does not feel at home with your front office? If so, he will abandon the application. Lesson 4 - Work with an exchange platform: Make use of an exchange platform for sharing project data so the most up-to-date version is available to all. The result? Double work and loss of time. Lesson 5 - Ensure sufficient budget: If the budget is too small, too many risks have to be taken. Scope: Regional (sub-national)