Suckler quota cut reduced

15 June 2000



Suckler quota cut reduced

By FWi staff

SUCKLER cow quota holdings will be reduced by 2.75% this year and not by the estimated 4% announced last autumn to comply with subsidy reforms.

Government officials said that confirmation of the reduction would be sent to producers this week by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Scottish Executive.

The claw-back has been achieved as fewer units of suckler cow quota were entered for claims last year than expected.

Farmers leaders said producers may still be able to appeal against the smaller cutbacks, and should study the MAFF documents carefully.

There has already been concern that the reduction in suckler quota would inflate sales and leasing values when trading begins next month.