Checks related to green harvesting operations
Article 43
1. In relation to the green harvesting operations under Article 47 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, Member States shall ensure that: (a) areas receiving green harvesting support are systematically checked on the spot after the execution; (b) the parcels checked shall be those which are the subject of an application for support; (c) the deadline for carrying out the green harvesting operations as referred to in Article 8(d) of this Regulation has been respected; (d) the green harvesting measure is carried out correctly by checking whether an operation is performed successfully. 2. By the checks referred to in paragraph 1 Member States shall verify: (a) the existence of the vineyard concerned and whether the given area has been properly tended; (b) that all bunches have been totally removed or destroyed; (c) which method has been used. 3. In order to ensure that no more marketable grapes are left in the supported parcel, all checks shall take place by 31 July of each year and, in any case, they shall be completed by the normal time of Veraison (Baggiolini stage M, BBCH stage 83) in any given area. 4. For the purposes of the checks provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, each applicant for support for green harvesting shall keep evidence of the costs of the relevant operation or of any activities carried out.