This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Third check date for extensification scheme
21/07/2003
The third of the six check system for farmers eligible for the Extensification Payment Scheme (EPS) was outlined today.
The date - June 11, 2003 - covers all claimants in the UK over the period May to June 2003.
Claimants will be sent a declaration letter which they are required to complete with details of the total number of cattle (from 6 months old) on their holding on each of the first three check dates - the first of which, covering January to February 2003 - was announced in March.
The second check date (April 10, 2003), which covered March to April 2003 was announced in May. The first declaration letter will be issued shortly and will cover the three dates announced. These letters must be returned to SEERAD area offices.
The fourth check date will fall during July or August and will be announced in September 2003.
Claimants with Internet access can submit their details electronically using SEERAD online. Further information and details on how to access SEERAD online can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/agri or from SEERAD area offices.
Farmers eligible for the scheme have to complete four declarations covering six check dates.
Livestock units are calculated on the following basis: sheep claimed and paid under SAPS 2003 = 0.15 LU; male bovine animals and heifers older than 24 months; suckler and dairy cows = 1.0 LU; male bovine animals and heifers from 6 to 24 months = 0.6 LU
Payment rates under the EPS 2003 are 80 Euros per eligible animal for stocking density levels below 1.4 LU/hectare and 40 Euros per eligible animal for stocking density levels of 1.4 LU/hectare or more, and less than or equal to 1.8 LU/hectare. The Sterling equivalents will be based on the average rate of exchange for December 2002 and are worth approximately £51.37 (£49.57) after modulation) and £25.68 (£24.78 after modulation) respectively. Modulation is set at 3.5% for payments made under the EPS 2003 scheme.