Disregard two-metre rule, farmers told

31 July 2000



Disregard two-metre rule, farmers told

by FWi staff

FARMERS preparing land for sowing this autumn should do so on the basis that field margins can exceed the maximum two-metre width proposed by Brussels.

Agriculture minister Nick Brown has confirmed that he is near to securing an agreement which would save farmers from ripping up thousands of hedgerows.

Changes to European subsidy rules had left many farmers warning that they would have to rip up hedgerows if their field margins exceed two metres.

Many producers had feared that they would have to forego subsidy payments on field margins which fell foul of what has become known as the two-metre rule.

In the statement, Mr Brown reveals that he has had lengthy discussions with European farm commissioner Franz Fischler and his officials about the matter.

We are now near to agreement on an approach which would allow hedges and other types of field margins to be treated in broadly the same way as in previous years, says Mr Brown.

Although, some of the details have yet to be finalised, I am hopeful that we will shortly be able to secure a satisfactory outcome to this very difficult issue.

Mr Brown says he was grateful that farmers this year were allowed to continue with existing practice with regard to field margins in their 2000 subsidy claims.

His preliminary advice is that farmers preparing land for autumn drilling should do so on the basis that rules for crops grown for next years harvest will be similar.

Farmers are likely to be able to include hedges and other field margins in next years claims for area-linked payments in a similar way as in previous years.

Mr Brown reveals that he wrote to Mr Fischler last Friday (28 July) thanking him for the contribution which he and his services made in achieving this outcome.

The letter also explained to Mr Fischler the advice that Mr Brown is giving to farmers about the inclusion of field margins in whole field area aid claims.”

Detailed guidance on margins are expected once the new rules are in place.

• Britain wins deal on field margins, FWi 31 July 2000
• Ministry seeks deal over hedge rule, FWi, 23 March 2000
• MAFF to avoid threat to hedgerows?, FWi, 18 February, 2000