‘Radical change’ in Scots support?

 CONSULTATION HAS begun in Scotland on the introduction of a contract to recognise the environmental and economic benefits of farming.

Rural development minister, Ross Finnie, said Land Management Contracts would offer a radical change in farming support.

“We want to see an industry that is customer focused, plays a part in rural development, and which is a leading player in protection and enhancement of the environment.

“Farming is multi-functional and the benefits that it delivers vary across Scotland.”

Mr Finnie said the Scottish Executive was therefore proposing a scheme which offered flexible support and could be tailored to meet the needs of individual farms and regions.

It wanted to enhance skills and understanding of the countryside, to increase the quality of Scottish produce and to raise the standards of animal health and welfare, he said.

The proposed model for LMCs is based on a three-tier structure.

Tier One will apply to all producers, and will cover the single farm payment and associated cross-compliance measures.

Tier Two, which is covered by the consultation document, involves a menu of options.

It is not compulsory, but will offer farmers a further annual payment from 2005 for delivering different combinations of economic, environmental or social benefits.

Some funding will come from existing agri-environment scheme budgets and from modulation.

Options, with indicative payment rates, range from £260 per ha for buffer strips and field corners, £2 per ha for outwintering cattle, through to £150 for organising a farm visit.

Consultation, which runs until September 3, was welcomed by NFU Scotland.

John Kinnaird, union President, said: “A previously narrow focus for rural development spending has prevented many farm businesses from accessing this important funding, despite contributing to it through modulation.

“LMCs should provide farmers with practical and relevant options to ensure the countryside gets the maximum benefit.”

Over time, said Mr Kinnaird, LMCs could develop to be the main vehicle for delivering all farm support.

Criteria for Tier Three, which will offer top-up payments for more specific benefits than Tier 2, are still being discussed.

But the Scottish executive hopes that Tier three will be introduced in 2006-07.