Scots report could see boost for LFAregions
Scots report could see boost for LFAregions
THE Scottish Executive has commissioned a study to investigate ways in which land classification could be used to refine the new area-based support scheme for less favoured areas.
The study, to be conducted by the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute in Aberdeen, will evaluate land quality in terms of vegetation, and the extent of permanent pasture and rough grazing. It should be completed by July.
Scottish farm minister Ross Finnie said from the outset of the new area-based LFA scheme that the three years of safety net payments would give the industry some breathing space to refine the scheme for future years.
Land eligible for support is currently classified depending on its location and whether it is improved pasture or rough grazing.
Ian Wright, head of the research project at the Macaulay Institute, said that was not sensitive enough to take account of the large differences that occur in grazing quality and environmental value due to different rough grazings.
"The problem with the rough grazings is that there is a huge range of potential stocking rates simply because the land type varies from good quality semi-natural grassland to blanket bog," he said.
"Given better definition, it should be possible to reflect agricultural potential in payment rates."
Less favoured areas could benefit from a new Scottish Executive study.