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Set-aside land
10/07/2007
Farmers will be able to free up set-aside land to feed their livestock where heavy rains have ruined summer grazing pastures, it was announced today.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead lifted the EU restriction on set-aside to allow farmers to use the land for grazing or to provide feed for stock before the restriction period ends on August 31.
Mr Lochhead said:
"The rainfall for June alone was 30 per cent above the monthly average, leaving fields sodden and many farmers concerned about how to feed their livestock.
"I hope, that by using this derogation, that the fears of many farmers and crofters will be put to rest."
Those wishing to use the derogation should e-mail or write to their local Area Office explaining their need to use the land.
Under EU Regulations the set-aside period is January 15 - August 31, during which farmers must not use the land for any type of agricultural production. The only exception is non-food crops grown under contract for an approved use.
The rainfall over the past weeks has the potential of affecting fodder supplies. The derogation allows farmers and crofters to graze their own animals on set-aside land or take a fodder crop from them.
The derogation is subject to the condition that the land is not used for lucrative purposes - in particular, that no fodder produced on that set-aside land is sold.