Farmers advised to seek help on HLS applications
North-east producers who are yet to apply for Higher Level Stewardship or have had an application turned down are being advised to seek guidance from DEFRA before investing in paid advice or resubmitting their application.
DEFRA’s regional team leader, Neil Clark, confirmed that the minimum points for HLS applications had been raised from five to fifteen, and strongly advised potential applicants to talk to a DEFRA representative in the early stages of an application.
“We recommend asking DEFRA for guidance on whether your farm is likely to meet the points requirement, before investing in paid advice,” said Mr Clark.
He denied rumours that only a few specific farm types were being considered.
Priorities
“It has taken time to identify farms that reflect HLS targets, but we do have a list of priorities for each part of the region, and a lot depends on what an individual farm has to offer.”
By August this year, the region was leading the way, with almost 10,000 ha (24,709 acres) included in the competitive scheme.
But Louis Fell, of George F White’s Alnwick-based office, told Farmers Weekly that DEFRA’s decision to raise the requirement had left many farmers feeling despondent.
Out of nearly 60 Northumberland applications made in June, only 10 are understood to have been accepted by DEFRA. That has left 47 farmers who have spent money on advice and preliminary research feeling angry and disappointed, said Mr Fell.
“I feel sorry for DEFRA’s staff on the ground, who have been encouraged to persuade farmers to apply. But it appears that DEFRA has now run out of money and is targeting high-scoring SSSI farms. It is a shame, because the north east is rich in wildlife habitat, and many other types of farms have beneficial features as well.
“HLS applications are complicated and most producers have had to pay for outside help to fill in the forms.
“It would have been fairer if DEFRA had announced that it would be raising the bar in June. Instead, producers in the latest round of applications had to wait until mid-September to find out that their efforts had been wasted.”
Mr Fell believes many farmers will apply again, having already invested their time and money. But, he suggests, it might be better to wait until next April, when the new budget has been allocated.
Those in the region wishing to speak to Mr Clark or one of his colleagues should call 01912 295 500.
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