Scots growers push for greening derogation

Scottish farmers are pushing for a derogation from the requirement to get a green cover crop in place by 1 October because of their late harvest.

NFU Scotland has told the Scottish government there is a need for an urgent derogation from the European Commission in relation to the planting of green cover crops to meet ecological focus area (EFA) requirements.

The union says due to this year’s late harvest many growers are facing problems getting the ground cleared and sown with the deadline fast approaching.

See also: Basic Payment Scheme – a guide to all four UK regions

NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie said: “For many of our members the lateness of this year’s harvest is unprecedented. Green cover is an environmental measure with the deadline set by Brussels, but the alternatives facing farmers to meet the deadline would be worse for the environment.

“Harvesting crops in wet conditions risks causing damage to the land, which could take years to recover while cover crops planted in poor conditions will be at a real risk of failure. 

“Crops harvested in very wet conditions need more energy to dry them. If not correctly dried they will spoil and not be of any use.  A crop that fails means that all the resources used to grow it are wasted.

“What we need is for the Scottish government to seek, as a matter of urgency, a derogation from this Brussels rule, to give a sensible extension to the deadline.”

If farmers fail to meet their EFA requirements they could receive a reduced greening payment, which is worth about 30% of the total direct support payment. 

A complete failure to meet the EFA requirement would result in a halving of the greening payment for this year.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “We have been approached by a small number of farmers on this issue, with whom we have been able to work to find solutions. Any other farmers who are in this position should contact their local office.”

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