NFUS challenge beef envelope

THE VALIDITY of the beef national envelope in Scotland, which will operate from 2005, has been challenged by the National Farmers Union Scotland.

The union claims that the beef national envelope could contravene EU rules.

The announcement that a beef national envelope would be introduced caused uproar among farmers.

The envelope will be created by slicing 10% from the single farm payment for all cattle farmers, and redistributing the money to suckled calf producers.

The aim, said Scotland‘s rural development minister Ross Finnie when he announced the envelope three weeks ago, was to maintain quality beef supplies and to keep cattle in remote areas.

Dairy farmers will be forced to fund the beef envelope but will get nothing back because only calves with at least 75% beef genetics will be eligible.

Union president John Kinnaird has written to Mr Finnie, pointing out that the discrimination against the dairy sector could breach EU rules.

And the union also plans to raise its concerns in Brussels.

“Along with the vast majority of our members, I remain deeply disappointed at the decision to introduce a beef national envelope,” said Mr Kinnaird.

“The executive has said that calves will have to be of at least 75% beef genetics to qualify for payment. This blatantly discriminates against dairy farmers.

“They are forced to contribute to a scheme they are deliberately excluded from.”

Much of the farm-assured beef from the dairy herd complies with the new rules stating that Scotch beef must come from animals born, reared and slaughtered in Scotland, said Mr Kinnaird.

“So why is it deemed unworthy of support?

“The main problem which has bedevilled the national envelope is that it cannot be targeted because all contributors to it should have equitable access to the scheme.

“The 75% genetics rule flies in the face of that principle by excluding the dairy sector.”

Introducing the national envelope was the minister‘s decision, said Mr Kinnaird.

“So we look  to him to explain the apparent contradictions in the policy, and I would urge him to at least rethink the dairy calf  exclusion,” he added.