Reforms more work and hassle
Reforms more work and hassle
AGENDA 2000 reforms will undoubtedly result in more paperwork, more inspections and more hassle for livestock farmers, according to John Cameron, chairman of the Scottish Beef Council. But, for those willing to investigate all the opportunities, there could also be great reward.
Addressing a seminar at the Scottish Winter Fair in Perth, Mr Cameron agreed with Jim Walker, president of the Scottish NFU, that details were still awaited on how government planned to implement various Agenda 2000 schemes. "But the basic principles wont alter," he said.
Mr Cameron accepted that aspects of Agenda 2000, particularly when it came to extensification, would be complex. "But, for some, it may be that getting rid of just a few cows will open the door to a much larger stream of income," he said.
The most important thing was to sit down and work out exactly what Agenda 2000 might mean to their individual businesses and assess whether or not changes were needed to maximise the income from the various schemes on offer.
The Scottish Beef Council is to hold a series of workshops later this month to help with this task. The Scottish NFU, however, has cancelled its planned roadshows on Agenda 2000 because of the lack of detail from government.
"The first two-month retention period for cattle qualifying for the new slaughter premium – operating from Jan 1 – is underway," Mr Walker told the seminar. "Yet we have absolutely no information about how that will operate.
"Ministers are encouraging us to be more responsive, but they as not giving us the details we need to be able to do that," he said.
But bearing in mind that claims for the sheep annual premium scheme opened on Dec 6, the Royal Bank of Scotlands Ian Kenny said: "I am absolutely amazed at how few farmers have attempted to do a stocking density calculation. The results could have a dramatic impact on individual businesses income."
He also urged producers to talk to their bank managers. Agenda 2000 would mean a change in timing for many subsidy payments. "That will have an impact on cash-flow. Bank managers dont like surprises, so assess the impact Agenda 2000 will have and go and talk to them in case you need to change your borrowing requirements," Mr Kenny advised.