Set-aside warning

17 January 1997

Set-aside warning

MAKE sure you dont undershoot when calculating this seasons set-aside area. That is the reminder from industry specialists as this years start date, Jan 15, passes.

With obligatory set-aside down to 5% for 1996/97, underestimates can cut area aid much more than when the requirement was 10%, warns ADAS.

Francis Mordaunt of land agent Andersons echoes that. The reason is that each unit of set-aside backs more crops on which area payments are made. When set-aside was 15% 1ha (2.47 acres) covered for 5.67ha (14 acres) of other eligible crops. Now 1ha (2.47 acres) covers for 19ha (46.9 acres). An error of that amount could cost £6000, he estimates. &#42