Harvest derogation

30 March 2001

Harvest derogation

CROPS still sitting on set-aside land may now be harvested up until Apr 30, after a further derogation from Brussels.

Under normal circumstances, land intended for set-aside should have been cleared by Jan 15, if farmers are not to risk losing their IACS payments. Due to the wet weather, this cut-off date was initially extended to Mar 31.

Continued sogginess has prompted a further extension to Apr 30. This gives farmers the option of putting such land into set-aside, though they could conceivably decide to drill it, so long as this takes place before the May 15 IACS deadline.

Farmers with crops still to harvest are asked to contact their regional service centres or local departmental offices. &#42