Row brews over suckler quota
20 July 1999
Row brews over suckler quota
A ROW is brewing over the payment of suckler cow premiums, according to John Cameron, chairman of the Scottish Beef Council, reported in The Herald.
Beef producers are angered by the Scottish Executives decision not to accept computer print-outs as the validation of claims.
The rural affairs department is insisting that farmers submit manual records, but Mr Cameron says the requirement could open up the possibility of errors.
The departments insistence could put at risk the farmers entire claim for the support scheme, he says.
The same newspaper reports that the demand for suckler cow quota is such that it is trading at almost double last years rates.
Quota is essential for producers to claim suckler cow premium which is pitched at £103 per cow but likely to rise to a basic £132 next year under Agenda 2000.
Less Favoured Area quota is changing hands at up to £280 per unit.
The cost of leasing quota for one year is £70, which is twice the 1998 figure.