National Farmers' Union of Scotland : New Greening Rules to Benefit Many Scottish Farmers

NFU Scotland is reminding all Scottish farmers about positive changes to EU Greening rules announced late last year in Brussels that will mean many will no longer have to comply with crop diversification (three-crop rule) and Ecological Focus Area requirements.

The new rules state that farmers with more than 75 percent of all their eligible land in permanent grass, temporary grass or rough grazing are exempt from the three-crop rule and EFA.

Another rule change states that all farmers with more than 75 percent of their eligible arable land in temporary grass, fallow or leguminous crops will also be exempt.

NFU Scotland is urging farmers to make themselves familiar with the new rules and has pressed Scottish Government to update its official Greening guidance. NFUS is asking for the new rules to be made available well ahead of the new BPS/Greening Scheme year opening for applications.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: 'Complying with the three-crop rule and EFA requirements are amongst the most onerous of the Greening requirements but these new changes are a positive development. These changes will still deliver on all the environmental and biodiversity requirements set by Greening but give farmers some much needed flexibility.

'That is hugely important following last autumn when many farmers will have struggled to plant winter crops and are making plans now for spring planting. The good news is that if they have 75 percent of their eligible area in grassland - permanent, temporary or rough grazing - then they do not need to meet the three-crop rule or EFA to fulfil their Greening obligations.

'With many mixed farmers planning for spring right now, we urge the Scottish Government to update its Greening rule book as soon as possible.'

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006