Scots over-plant
Scots over-plant
ARABLE farmers in Scotlands non-LFA area have over-planted by 7.1% this year, according to the Scottish Office.
That is 0.5% less than last year, but will still mean a penalty of about £16/ha (£6.50/acre).
Scottish farm minister, Ross Finnie, is seeking EU approval to have a single base area for Scotland, which would mean an extra £1.5m worth of arable aid because of a consistent shortfall in LFA plantings.
The estimated payment for non-LFA cereals this year is £217.25/ha with set aside at £275.19/ha. The LFA rate will be £213.82/ha. The agri-monetary compensation element for cereals is about £30/ha. It is all paid by Brussels, but from next year, has to be 50% funded by the British government and will be phased out over the next two years. *