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CONTENTS
GRANTS:
Agricultural Business Development Scheme
Agriculture Processing and Marketing Grants
Appeals Procedure for EU Subsidy Schemes
Croft House Grant Scheme ( CHGS)
Crofters Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme
Crofting Community Development Scheme
Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Scheme ( CCAGS) 3
Energy Crop Scheme
Farm Business Development Scheme ( FBDS)
Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme
Integrated Administration and Control System ( IACS)
Land Management Contract Menu Scheme ( LMCMS)
Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme ( LFASS)
Marketing Development Scheme
Nuts Aid Scheme
Organic Aid Scheme ( OAS)
Over Thirty Months Scheme ( OTMS)
Protein Crop Premium ( PCP)
Rural Stewardship Scheme ( RSS)
Scottish Beef Calf Scheme ( SBCS)
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme ( SFGS)
SFGS - Farmland Premium Scheme
Sheep Compensation Scheme 1986 (Chernobyl)
Single Farm Payment Scheme ( SFPS)
Whole Farm Review Scheme ( WFRS)
SERVICES:
Agricultural Health and Safety
Agricultural Training and Apprenticeships
Arterial Drainage
Beef Assurance Scheme
Beef Labelling Scheme
Certification, Seed and Crop
Co-operation and Collaborative Activity ( SAOS)
Health Schemes
Cattle Health Scheme
Deer Health Scheme
Poultry Health Scheme
Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme
Intervention Buying
Livestock Identification ( ID) & Traceability
Cattle
Pigs
Sheep & Goats
Milk Quotas
National Fallen Stock Scheme
Pest Control
Pesticide Residues
Plant Breeders' Rights and National List
Plants, Plant Produce and Potatoes
Quality Meat Scotland ( QMS)
Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH)
Scrapie
Seed Potato Classification Scheme
Seed Testing
SEERAD Online
TSE Surveillance
Wages
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme
SEERAD AREA OFFICES
ANIMAL HEALTH OFFICES
OTHER CONTACTS
AREA BOUNDARIES AND OFFICES MAP
Explanatory leaflets and further information and advice on most of the grants and services listed in this booklet are available from the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department ( SEERAD) Area Offices. You can find the contact details of your local Area Office and Animal Health Office at the end of this booklet.
You can also contact the Department through the Reception Desk at its headquarters in Edinburgh:
Scottish Executive
Environment and Rural Affairs Department
Pentland House
47 Robb's Loan
Edinburgh
EH14 1TYTel: 0131 244 6015
Following EU agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Single Farm Payment Scheme ( SFPS) was introduced on 1 January 2005 replacing the direct production-related support schemes. Further information on the SFPS is available in this guide. The schemes no longer in operation are:
- Arable Area Payments Scheme
- Beef Special Premium Scheme
- Dried Fodder Scheme
- Extensification Payment Scheme
- Seed Production Aid
- Sheep Annual Premium Scheme (including the Less Favoured Area Supplement)
- Slaughter Premium Scheme (including the Veal Calf Slaughter Premium Scheme)
- Suckler Cow Premium Scheme
Most subsidy and grant schemes are subject to specific closing dates for receipt of claims or applications. It is in your own interests to apply in good time.
Please note that for many grants, written approval is needed before the work is begun.
Further copies of this publication can be obtained by contacting the General Agricultural Policy Branch on 0131 244 6371.
GRANTS
Agricultural Business Development Scheme ( ABDS)
The ABDS is a business development scheme for farmers/crofters and their immediate families. It operates under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme within the legal framework of the Rural Development Regulation.
The ABDS can provide assistance towards investments in agricultural holdings and the development of new, or the expansion of existing, agricultural or non-agricultural diversification enterprises, either on or off-farm/croft, to increase the income-generating capacity of the farming family. The scheme is discretionary with all applications being subject to a selection process - reviewed in funding tranches by Project Assessment Committees.
Legal occupiers of agricultural units within the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme Area who have been actively engaged in agriculture for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply to the scheme for both investments in agricultural holdings and diversification projects.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or Scheme Co-ordinator, Longman House, 28 Longman Road, Inverness, IV1 1SF, Tel: 01463 253 065 or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/abds
Agriculture Processing and Marketing Grants
Grant schemes, which can provide assistance towards the processing and marketing of agricultural produce, were launched within the Highlands and Islands (as an element of the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme) and Lowland Scotland in 2001. The aim of both schemes is to improve structural deficiencies and, in so doing, attempt to guarantee lasting economic benefits to farmers and growers. The schemes include a capital element for assistance towards the purchase of plant and equipment and a non-capital element which can assist with a range of projects including market research and consultancy, product development, point of sale material and attendance at trade fairs.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Lowland Scotland Scheme: SEERAD, Room 259, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6388/6389. Highlands & Islands Scheme: Scheme Project Co-ordinator, Longman House, 28 Longman Road, Inverness, IV1 1SF, Tel: 01463 253 065.
Appeals Procedure for EU Subsidy Schemes
The appeals procedure covers schemes under the Integrated Administration and Control System ( IACS), as well as agri-environment and afforestation schemes administered by SEERAD.
The procedure is intended to ensure that farmers who feel that SEERAD did not reach the correct decision on their subsidy claim have access to a fair and independent appeals mechanism. Farmers have 60 calendar days from the date of the SEERAD decision letter in which to submit an appeal under the procedure. The procedure has three stages: an in-house review, an external panel review and an appeal to the Scottish Land Court.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices, or the Appeals Secretariat, Room 028, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6578.
Croft House Grant Scheme ( CHGS)
The Croft House Grant Scheme ( CHGS) was introduced on 1 January 2005. Under this scheme grants for the construction, rebuilding and improvement of dwelling houses are available to crofters in the former Crofting Counties.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or Crofting Branch, Tiree Unit, Unit 3, The Island Centre, Crossapol, Isle of Tiree, PA77 6UP, Tel: 01879 220240 or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/environment/chgsaf-00.asp
Crofters Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme
It is anticipated that a revised Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme will be open for applications in the autumn of 2005 to enable crofters to plan for the year ahead. The scheme will be administered on behalf of SEERAD by the Crofters Commission.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Crofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ, Tel: 01463 663 413/457 or visit www.crofterscommission.org.uk
Crofting Community Development Scheme
The Crofting Community Development Scheme aims to encourage crofting communities to:
- improve the quality and the marketing of their agriculture output without increasing the level of production
- establish communication links and management structures within the crofting communities
- diversify and broaden local crofting communities
- adopt beneficial local environment measures
- identify and implement local social and cultural projects
- prepare and implement suitable local training programmes
- use information technology
An incentive payment up to a maximum of £7,000 may be paid to communities with plans meeting the eligibility criteria.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Crofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ, Tel: 01463 663 450 or visit www.crofterscommission.org.uk or from Arthur Macdonald, Scheme Manager, c/o Upper Leachkin, Inverness, IV3 6PN, Tel: 01463 711 702.
Crofting Counties Agricultural Grants (Scotland) Scheme ( CCAGS)
Grants covering a wide range of agricultural activities are available to the following people in the former Crofting Counties:
- tenants and legal sub-tenants of crofts, and owners occupying unlet crofts who are of the same economic status as crofters
- Common Grazings Committees and Grazings Constables where all the work relates to the Common Grazings
- occupiers of holdings other than crofts, the area of which does not substantially exceed 30 hectares (excluding common pasture) or where the annual rent would not substantially exceed £100 if the holding were let as a croft. In addition, the occupier must be of the same economic status as a crofter.
A public consultation on the review of CCAGS was completed in April 2005. This may result in changes to the scheme later in the year.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or Crofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ, Tel: 01463 663 450 or visit www.crofterscommission.org.uk
Energy Crop Scheme
From 2004 onward, producers who grow energy crops on any land other than set-aside land may claim the energy crop payment. 'Energy crops' means any agricultural raw materials (except sugar beet) grown for use in the manufacture of bio-fuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass.
A flat rate of aid of €45 per hectare is available for areas sown under energy crops which meet certain conditions. The payment window is 1 December to 30 June.
The aid is only payable on those areas where production is covered by a contract between a producer and a processor (or a declaration where the material is to be processed on the producer's holding).
The closing date for applications under the 2005 scheme was 16 May 2005.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture
Farm Business Development Scheme ( FBDS)
The FBDS can provide assistance towards investments in agricultural holdings and the development of new, or the expansion of existing, agricultural or non-agricultural diversification enterprises, either on or off-farm. The aim of the scheme is to increase the income-generating capacity of the farming family. FBDS is discretionary, competitive and cash limited.
All legal occupiers of agricultural units within Lowland Scotland who have been actively engaged in agriculture for a minimum of two years are eligible to apply for financial assistance under the scheme. Immediate family members, resident on or adjacent to the agricultural unit, are also eligible to apply if they are acting with the legal occupier's consent. Collaborative projects may also be considered from groups of three or more eligible applicants, each linked to a separate eligible agricultural business.
FBDS applications are considered in funding tranches by a Project Assessment Committee ( PAC), which meets around four times per year. The maximum possible grant linked to an eligible agricultural business is £30,000 or, for a collaborative project, £35,000.
Decisions on individual projects will take account of priority for the business, local strategies, market and economic needs and also the availability of funding. The PAC may, however, decline to recommend approval of an application, or may offer a lower amount of grant.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or FBDS team, Area 1E, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6167 or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/fbds-00.asp
Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme
The Highlands and Islands Croft Entrant Scheme covers parts of the Western Isles, Skye and Lochalsh, North West Sutherland and Caithness, Lochaber, Shetland, Ross and Cromarty, Argyll, Orkney and Badenoch and Strathspey.
The purpose of the scheme is to:
- identify and facilitate the entry of suitable young entrants into crofting
- provide financial support, advice and guidance to assist young entrants to establish themselves in crofting
- stimulate and encourage an innovative approach to crofting development
- seek to make crofts available to new entrants by encouraging elderly or inactive crofters to make their crofts available for more active use
- reverse population decline and to improve the age structure in fragile communities in crofting areas
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Crofters Commission, Castle Wynd, Inverness, IV2 3EQ, Tel: 01463 663 450 or visit www.crofterscommission.org.uk
Integrated Administration and Control System ( IACS)
IACS is the control system introduced to combat fraud in the main Common Agricultural Policy schemes. It applies in all EU Member States and incorporates:
- a unique identification system for agricultural fields
- the requirement (in order to be eligible for aid under the relevant subsidy schemes) for farmers to submit a Single Application Form ( SAF), by 15 May each year, about the land which they farm
- an integrated system of checks and inspections, and a uniform system of penalties for late or inaccurate aid applications
In 2005, the following schemes are under the IACS umbrella:
- 2006 Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme ( LFASS 2006)
- 2005 Energy Crops Scheme ( ECS)
- 2005 Land Management Contract Menu Scheme ( LMCMS)
- 2005 Nuts Aid Scheme ( NAS)
- 2005 Protein Crop Premium ( PCP)
- 2005 Scottish Beef Calf Scheme ( SBCS)
- 2005 Single Farm Payment Scheme ( SFPS)
Farmers must comply with all the IACS and relevant scheme rules to be eligible for subsidies when applying to any of these schemes. All fields claimed or declared under the above schemes must be allocated unique field identifiers before payment can be made.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture
Land Management Contract Menu Scheme ( LMCMS)
This scheme, introduced for the first time in 2005 alongside the Single Farm Payment Scheme, is part of the Scottish Rural Development Plan. It provides assistance to farmers and crofters for a range of measures suited to the diversity of land management activity and land types throughout Scotland.
All land managers in Scotland can apply to the scheme on a non-competitive basis. Farmers and crofters can use the menu of options available under the scheme to choose which activities they want to carry out, subject to a maximum allowance which is based on the area of land declared on their Single Application Form ( SAF). The activities they choose will depend on the eligibility requirements of individual measures, what suits their particular circumstances and their plans for future business development. There are many options to choose from. Some are one-offs, such as training and farm visits; others have a 5 year commitment, such as the agri-environment measures and the animal health and welfare programme.
Your completed application form ( LMCMS2) should be submitted to your local SEERAD Area Office along with your completed SAF by 15 May each year.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/menuscheme
Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme ( LFASS)
About 85% of Scotland's agricultural land is designated as being within a less favoured area, as set out in the Scottish Rural Development Plan. The LFASS is designed to assist the viability of agriculture within these less favoured areas; and to encourage farming practice which contributes to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of Scotland's rural areas. The LFASS is area based.
In 2005 the basic payment per hectare varies from £26.80 for the best land in readily accessible parts of the mainland to £7.85 per hectare for the poorest agricultural land on islands. These rates can change depending upon the ratio of cattle to sheep and conformity with minimum and maximum stocking densities.
Claims for support under the LFASS should be made on the Single Application Form ( SAF).
To be eligible for LFASS payments, claimants must:
- be at least 16 years of age
- undertake to farm in the Scottish Less Favoured Area ( LFA) for at least 5 years
- farm at least three hectares of eligible forage land in the Scottish LFA
- comply with SEERAD's Good Farming Practice ( GFP) guidelines and with a number of other environmental controls introduced in 2004
- carry out an eligible agricultural activity - that is, maintain at least one of the following:
- suckler cows that are part of a regular breeding herd for the rearing of calves
- a flock of sheep that meets the definition of eligibility for the former Sheep Annual Premium Scheme
- a dairy herd in the ring-fenced or formerly ring-fenced quota areas
- a flock of goats, llamas or alpaca for fibre production
CONTACT & INFORMATION Visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture or contact either your SEERAD Area Office or Hill Farming and Livestock Subsidies Branch, CAP Management Division, SEERAD, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6285.
Marketing Development Scheme
The Marketing Development Scheme aims to improve the efficiency of the UK marketing chain. This is done by helping farmers, growers and processors to improve their marketing and commercial expertise and develop efficient marketing structures for both domestic and overseas markets. Grant assistance at the rate of 50% and up to a maximum of £150,000 per project is available under the scheme towards the cost of feasibility studies, the salaries of key marketing staff, training and fees of outside directors.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD, Room 259, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6294.
Nuts Aid Scheme
Support is available under this area-based scheme for the production of certain categories of nuts at the average rate of €120.75 per hectare. Aid may be claimed on any orchard, with a minimum plot size of 0.1 hectares, growing the following eligible nuts:
| Tree density per hectare (minimum) |
|---|
Almonds | 50 |
|---|
Hazelnuts | 125 |
|---|
Walnuts | 50 |
|---|
Pistachios | 50 |
|---|
Locust beans | 30 |
|---|
An orchard is defined as an unvarying and geographically continuous area which is not divided by other crops or plantations. Isolated nut trees or a single row of nut trees planted alongside roads or other crops are not considered to be an orchard. Other trees, including chestnuts, present within an orchard will not necessarily prohibit a claim for aid provided they do not exceed 10% of the required density.
Claims should be made on the Single Application Form ( SAF).
CONTACT & INFORMATION - SEERAD Area Offices.
Organic Aid Scheme ( OAS)
This Scheme, which is part of the Scottish Rural Development Plan, provides assistance to farmers and crofters wishing to convert to organic production and sustained support for farmers and crofters who have already converted to organic farming. The OAS is split into 2 sections - a conversion payments section and a maintenance payments section. Each section runs for a 5 year period giving the potential for 10 years' assistance.
To join the conversion part of the scheme, farmers and crofters must enter into a binding agreement to convert all or part of their production unit to organic standards. The minimum area that can be entered is one hectare; the maximum area on which aid will be paid is 1,000 hectares. Participants in the conversion scheme must at all times remain registered with an approved organic private inspection body and have a conversion plan which has been agreed by the inspection body. Participants will be eligible for payment annually in arrears for five years for each hectare entered. Applicants to the conversion section may also be eligible for assistance with capital items associated with conversion.
Support after the conversion period is also available in the form of organic maintenance payments. Maintenance payments are available for a minimum of one hectare and a maximum of 1,000 hectares. Participants in the maintenance scheme must at all times remain registered with an approved private inspection body. To ensure that funding is being directed towards applications providing high environmental and marketing benefits, applications for both conversion and maintenance payments are subject to ranking arrangements and adherence to environmental standards.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - An explanatory booklet ( OAS1) and further information and advice are available from SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/organics
Over Thirty Months Scheme ( OTMS)
The OTMS was set up in response to the BSE crisis in 1996. It provides for the purchase, by the Government, of cattle over 30 months old which are banned from the food chain. Animals may be presented to the scheme through approved collection centres; these can be either liveweight markets or contracted abattoirs. Casualty animals slaughtered on-farm may be presented through incinerators or rendering plants.
Producers must ensure that animals are presented with approved ear tags and documentary evidence that they are eligible. Cattle Passports are required for all animals. The scheme is administered by the Rural Payments Agency ( RPA). The RPA makes the payment to the collection centre which passes the payment on to the producer, less any legitimate expenses previously agreed. There are three dedicated OTMS abattoirs in Scotland at Kilmarnock, Brechin and Orkney.
In December 2004 Ministers announced their intention to move towards the unwinding of the Over Thirty Months ( OTM) rule and to replace it with a system of testing for OTM cattle. Work on a robust testing system is continuing.
A successor to the OTMS for animals born before 1 August 1996, which would remain excluded from the food chain, is currently being considered.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -RPA helpline Tel: 0118 968 7333, or SEERAD helpline Tel: 0131 244 6408.
Protein Crop Premium ( PCP)
From 2004, producers who grow protein crops are eligible to apply for the Protein Crop Premium. Eligible protein crops are peas (but not those intended for human consumption), beans and sweet lupins.
The flat rate aid is €55.57 per hectare on areas which are fully sown and cultivated in accordance with local standards. The payment window for this premium will be 1 December to 30 June.
For 2005, the premium could be claimed on the Single Application Form ( SAF) which had to be submitted to Area Offices by 16 May 2005. The protein premium is payable on eligible proteins which are grown on any land declared on the SAF.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture
Rural Stewardship Scheme ( RSS)
The RSS, which is part of the Scottish Rural Development Plan, came into operation in 2001. It provides assistance to encourage farmers and crofters to undertake positive conservation management measures and capital works in association with conservation management.
This scheme is entirely voluntary and requires a prior Environmental Audit to be undertaken for the farm, croft or common grazing to be entered into the scheme. The audit will identify all habitats and features of conservation value on the unit and will help applicants decide which areas will benefit most. Assistance is provided towards the cost of the audit.
Participants undertake to join the scheme for at least five years, but participation may be extended for a further five years to secure maximum conservation benefit. In addition, they must agree to manage the relevant areas of land and carry out the relevant capital works in line with the rules and conditions of the scheme. Certain general environmental requirements (Standard of Good Farming Practice and General Environmental Conditions) also apply to the farm, croft or common grazing as a whole and not just those areas or features which are being positively managed under the RSS.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture
Scottish Beef Calf Scheme ( SBCS)
Effective from 1 January 2005, the objective of the SBCS is to help the beef industry adjust to the new decoupled support regime, sustain quality beef production (particularly in remote and fragile areas) and protect the environment.
Claims can be made for male and female calves which are registered on the British Cattle Movement Service, Cattle Tracing System ( CTS) and have a valid cattle passport. The claimed calves must be at least 75% beef bred, have been born on Scottish land on or after 2 December 2004 and kept there continuously from birth for at least 30 days.
The payment rate for eligible animals will vary each year depending on the total number claimed in the calendar year. To claim under the scheme and receive payment at 2005 rates, producers were required to submit a Single Application Form ( SAF) by 16 May 2005 and complete and return the SBCS claim form(s) by 31 December 2005. There is no limit to the number of claims that can be submitted. The first 10 animals claimed by a business will be paid at a higher rate than any other eligible animals claimed in the same year.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/CAPRef
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme ( SFGS)
To meet the Scottish Executive's Scottish Forestry Strategy "Forests for Scotland", the SFGS will provide grant aid to encourage the creation and management of woods and forests to provide economic, environmental and social benefits now and in the future. Grants are available under the following main areas:
Woodland expansion grants
To encourage the planting or natural regeneration of new woodlands you can apply for grants to carry out work that will meet one of the SFGS objectives shown below:
- establishing well-designed productive woodland
- expanding areas of native woodland, preferably through natural regeneration and the development of Forest Habitat Networks
- improving riparian habitat
- improving urban or post-industrial areas
- improving diversity of the farmed and crofting landscape
Please note that there are permitted species and minimum stocking requirements for woodland expansion objectives. The SFGS Applicant's Booklet gives more details.
Locational premiums
Locational premiums, in the form of a top-up to the standard forestry grants for planting new woodlands, are available for the following areas:
- Ayrshire and Arran
- Central Scotland
- Grampian
- Orkney and Shetland
- Western Isles
Stewardship grants
Eight stewardship grants are available for existing woodlands (and where applicable may be available from the year of planting) for:
- improving timber quality
- reducing deer numbers
- native woodlands
- improving woodland biodiversity
- landscape improvement
- developing alternative systems to clear-felling
- woodland recreation
- developing community involvement
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Forestry Commission Scotland, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT, Tel: 0131 334 0303. Grant details are available from local FCS Conservancy offices and full details can be found on the Forestry Commission Scotland website www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme ( SFGS) - Farmland Premium
This is a successor to the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme ( FWPS) and is administered by SEERAD. It is designed to encourage the creation and management of woods and forests, to provide economic, environmental and social benefits for now and the future through the planting of trees on agricultural land.
Farmers and crofters joining the Farmland Premium can receive the annual payments as set out below:
Type of Land | £ Hectare/year |
|---|
Arable/Improved in non Less Favoured Areas | 300 |
|---|
Arable/Improved in Disadvantaged Areas of Less Favoured Areas | 230 |
|---|
Arable/Improved in Severely Disadvantaged Areas of Less Favoured Areas | 160 |
|---|
Unimproved Land | 60 |
|---|
Where the land is to count against the farmer's set-aside obligation, the payment rate will be restricted to the set-aside rate.
Annual payments are made for 15 years for woodlands containing at least 60% of area by broadleaves. Provided that the percentage remains above 50% payments will be maintained for 15 years. Plans with less than 60% broadleaves planted will qualify for payments over 10 years.
There is an upper limit of 200 hectares per farm business and planting on unimproved land must not exceed 80 hectares. The Farmland Premium is also available for planting on common grazings in the crofting counties but must not exceed 200 hectares on each common grazing area. The area limits on unimproved and common crofting grazing land apply only to Farmland Premium applications received on or after 1 January 2005. However, when assessing an applicant's eligibility for area limits, all previous approvals under FWPS and Farmland Premium from 1 April 1997 will be taken into account.
SFGS/Farmland Premium rules and procedures booklet is available from SEERAD offices.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Forestry Commission Scotland, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT, Tel: 0131 334 0303 or SEERAD Area Offices. An applicant's pack is available from local FCS Conservancy offices, or visit Forestry Commission Scotland website www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Sheep Compensation Scheme 1986 (Chernobyl)
This scheme was introduced by the UK Government as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear incident in April 1986 and allows for the payment of compensation to sheep producers in areas subject to movement restrictions under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985. The scheme currently consists of two types of compensation. Sheep producers may claim compensation of £1.30 for each sheep monitored/marked and moved under consent from the Department. In addition, sheep producers may claim any market loss incurred on marked animals sold at auction markets and liveweight collection centres under the mark and release arrangements.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Livestock and Livestock Products Branch, SEERAD, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6408.
Single Farm Payment Scheme ( SFPS)
The Single Farm Payment Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2005 following EU agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy ( CAP). Payments made under the scheme are decoupled from production. This means that, unlike previous production-related arable and livestock subsidy schemes, the single payment is not dependent on the producer maintaining specified levels or types of production. Payment is dependent, however, on the producer meeting certain cross-compliance conditions. These include regulations relating to the environment; the identification and regulation of livestock; public, plant and animal health; and animal welfare.
A National Reserve has been established under the SFPS. This is designed to assist certain producers who would otherwise have been disadvantaged by the switch to decoupled payments.
The scheme year for the SFPS follows the calendar year. The closing date for initial applications under the 2005 scheme was 15 May 2005. Producers who wish to participate in the 2006 scheme will be required to complete the Single Application Form ( SAF) and return it to their SEERAD Area Office by 15 May 2006.
The Dairy Premium and Additional Dairy Payment are now decoupled from production and will be absorbed into the Single Farm Payment Scheme from 2005. Producers who held milk quota on 31 March 2005 and who are eligible for these payments will have them apportioned to the number of Single Farm Payment entitlements they have, so increasing the value of each of their entitlements.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/agriculture which contains 11 information leaflets on the various strands of the scheme.
Whole Farm Review Scheme ( WFRS)
This scheme was launched in July 2004 as part of the Scottish Executive's National Strategy for Farm Business Advice and Skills. The scheme offers grant assistance to encourage farmers and crofters to take a fresh look at their business, with the help of an accredited farm business advisor. The advisor will provide an overview of where the business currently stands, what are its main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and develop an Action Plan to improve the business performance. The advisor will look at the whole business and help to make the most of available assets - business, environmental and skills.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - For more information about the WFRS visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/agriculture/grants/root/intro
For more information about advisors accredited under the Farm Business Advisor Accreditation Scheme for Scotland ( FBAASS), contact Lantra, Tel: 01738 553311 or visit their website at www.lantra.co.uk/scotland
A leaflet about the WFRS is also available from SEERAD Area Offices, Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway offices and HIE local enterprise company ( LEC) offices.
The scheme booklet on rules and procedures ( WFR 1) and the application form ( WFR 2) are available through either the Gateway or LEC offices, national helpline - 0845 609 6611.
Further information and advice about either scheme can be obtained from Farm Business Advice and Skills Branch, SEERAD, Area 1.E, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 5236/6193 or e-mail: farmbass@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
SERVICES
Advice
Agricultural Health and Safety
CONTACT & INFORMATION -
- HSE internet website address: www.hse.gov.uk
- HSE information line Tel: 0845 345 0055, Fax: 02920 859260,
- e-mail: hseinformationservices@natbrit.com or write to HSE Infoline, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GG.
- To report an accident contact HSE Incident Contact Centre Tel: 0845 3009923, Fax: 0845 3009924 or e-mail :riddor@natbrit.com or website: www.riddor.gov.uk
- To obtain HSE books contact PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, Tel: 01787 881165, Fax: 01787 313995 or e-mail: hsebooks@prolog.uk.com or visit www.hsebooks.co.uk
Health and Safety Executive inspectors can be contacted at:
Belford House
59 Belford Road
Edinburgh, EH4 3UE
Tel: 0131 247 2000
Fax: 0131 247 2121 | Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen, AB25 3UB Tel: 01224 252 500
Fax: 01224 252 525 |
Pegasus House,
375 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 4LW Tel: 0141 275 3000
Fax: 0141 275 3100 | Longman House
28 Longman Road
Longman Industrial Estate
Inverness, IV1 1SF
Tel: 01463 732 260
Fax: 01463 713 459 |
Agricultural Training and Apprenticeships
Lantra Sector Skills Council ( SSC) is the Government recognised SSC for the environmental and land-based sector, including agriculture, aquaculture and trees and timber. Working closely with employers, industry organisations, Government Departments and Agencies and providers of learning and business support services, Lantra's key objective is to raise the level of skills, knowledge and enterprise of everyone involved in the land-based sector. This work includes developing Scottish Vocational Qualifications and Modern Apprenticeships, as well as ensuring that everyone within the land-based sector has access to the highest quality training.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - For details of your local training provider and information on training, education, apprenticeships and business development opportunities contact Lantra, Newlands, Scone, Perth, PH2 6NL, Tel: 01738 553311, Fax: 01738 553322 or visit www.lantra.co.uk
Arterial Drainage
The Land Drainage (Scotland) Act 1958 empowers Scottish Ministers, on application by owners of agricultural land, to make improvement orders authorising the carrying out of arterial drainage/river works for the benefit of that land. The cost of such works included in improvement orders and subsequent maintenance works must be borne by the landowners.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Advice on applying for an improvement order is available from SEERAD, Tel: 0131 244 6419.
Beef Assurance Scheme
This voluntary UK scheme was introduced to allow specialist beef producers with slow maturing breeds to sell their animals for human consumption at 30 - 42 months. Members are charged an annual fee to cover administrative costs.
The scheme will be closed when the OTM Rule is replaced by a robust BSE testing regime. This is likely to be towards the end of 2005.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Animal Health Offices, or Food Standards Agency (Scotland), 6th Floor, St Magnus House, 25 Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NJ, Tel: 01224 285191.
Beef Labelling Scheme
The Beef Labelling Scheme was introduced to provide consumers with reliable information about the beef and veal they buy. The compulsory labelling system requires all fresh and frozen beef to be labelled with basic information about its origin and the license number of the relevant abattoir and cutting plant. Under the voluntary scheme, anyone in the supply chain giving consumers anything more than basic information about beef must get prior approval from the Department. Approval is only given if the applicant has put in place arrangements to guarantee the accuracy of the information. To do this the applicant has to employ an independent third party, accredited to European Standard EN45011, to verify the details on the label.
Beef labelling is monitored by Local Authorities at the retail level and by SEERAD's Meat and Livestock Inspectors at abattoirs, cutting plants and wholesalers.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Livestock and Livestock Products Branch, SEERAD, Room 251, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6408 or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/beeflabellingscheme
Certification, Seed and Crop
Schemes are operated for the certification of seed potatoes (described elsewhere in this guide) and seed of beet, cereals, fodder plants, oil and fibre plants and vegetables, and of the crops of soft fruit plants and narcissus. The certification schemes for seed potatoes and seed of beet, cereals, fodder plants, oil and fibre plants and vegetables are governed by Seeds Regulations which set out minimum marketing quality standards and rules for sealing and labelling. These regulations also restrict marketing to plant varieties named in the UK National Lists or the EC Common Catalogue.
Cereal plants and grain can be submitted for varietal identification to the Cereal Section at the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency ( SASA), who also provide courses on Crop Inspection and Varietal Identification.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -Cereal Certification Scheme and courses on offer can be obtained from Cereal Section, SASA, Tel: 0131 244 8856/8833, e-mail Gerry.Hall@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or from the SASA website at www.sasa.gov.uk/seed-testing/cereals/index.cfm
Non-Cereal Seed Certification Schemes and Seed Sampling courses can be obtained from the Herbage & Vegetable Section, SASA, Tel: 0131 244 8885/8899, e-mail Ken.Pearson@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or from the SASA website at www.sasa.gov.uk/seed-testing/herbage-and-vegetable-crops/index.cfm
There are EC Marketing Regulations for Ornamental Plant Propagation Material and certain genera of vegetable and fruit plants. Details of these and certification schemes for soft fruit and narcissus can be obtained through SEERAD, Horticultural Unit, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6303.
Co-operation and Collaborative Activity ( SAOS)
SAOS is a rural development organisation with specialist knowledge and skills in joint venture and co-operation. The organisation's aim is to strengthen the profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Scotland's farming, food and related rural businesses through the development of co-operation and joint activity. SAOS assists established farmer-owned businesses and new groups interested in establishing themselves.
SAOS can advise groups of farmers and growers in all stages of the feasibility and development process, leading to preparation of a commercial business proposition for prospective members. Thereafter, SAOS can assist in attracting grant and bank support, providing constitutional, financial and contractual structures, advising on directors' roles and responsibilities, recruiting members and key employees, etc. SAOS has a series of publications featuring case studies of successful co-operation and joint venture.
SAOS is the membership organisation of Scottish rural co-ops and farmer-owned businesses, and new groups may apply for membership. SAOS is supported by SEERAD, works closely with the Scottish Enterprise Network and has constitutional links with NFU Scotland and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - James Graham, Chief Executive, SAOS Ltd, Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, EH28 8NZ, Tel: 0131 472 4100, e-mail saos@saos.co.uk or visit www.saos.co.uk
Health Schemes
Cattle Health Scheme
The Premium Cattle Health Scheme for Johnes Disease, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis, Leptospirosis and BVD is operated by the Scottish Agricultural College ( SAC), Veterinary Science Division.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - George Caldow, Veterinary Centre, Greycrook, St Boswells, Roxburghshire, TD6 0EU, Tel: 01835 822 456, Fax: 01835 822 643, e-mail vcstboswells@ed.sac.ac.uk or visit www.cattlehealth.co.uk
Deer Health Scheme
The scheme aims to create a nucleus of farmed deer herds of attested tuberculosis-free status along with promotions of health, welfare and husbandry aspects.
Poultry Health Scheme
The aims of the scheme are to maintain and improve the health of poultry breeding stock and to provide the necessary standards required for both domestic and export purposes. Membership of the scheme is an essential prerequisite for all flock owners wishing to export to the EC.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Further information on Deer and Poultry Health Schemes from SEERAD Area Offices.
Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme
The purpose of the scheme is to ensure the availability of an adequate veterinary service and disease surveillance in designated areas of Scotland, namely the former Crofting Counties, for all animals kept for agricultural purposes. This involves the setting of fees for visits to crofters and persons of like economic status and the reimbursement of vets' travel etc costs associated with such visits.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Animal Health Offices.
Intervention Buying
Certain products - beef, butter, cereals and skimmed milk powder ( SMP) - can be offered into intervention. Minimum quantities and qualities may apply. Beef and butter may be offered when
- the market price for these commodities falls below the trigger or safety net price in two consecutive weeks; and
- the European Commission agrees to open intervention purchasing.
When intervention opens, an announcement is made and traders may submit tenders to sell into intervention.
Offers of cereals and SMP can be made during purchase seasons which are
- for cereals - 1 November to 31 May; and
- for SMP - 1 March to 31 August.
Products offered will be paid for at prices fixed in advance.
The price to be paid for the product includes the cost of delivery into store. However, in certain circumstances the cost of transporting the goods to the intervention store may be reimbursed. Alternatively, offers may be made to store products in situ in the offerer's own facility.
Traders may offer to store eligible products, for which they are paid a fee on removal of the goods from storage, through Private Storage Aid ( PSA). Butter PSA is normally available during 15 March to 15 August each year. The availability of Meat PSA is dependent on market conditions.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -
- For intervention, Tel: 0191 273 9696;
- For beef and cereals, Tel: 0191 226 5161 or 5229;
- For butter and SMP, Tel: 0191 226 5058 or 5060;
- For further information on Private Storage Aid, Tel: 0191 226 5058 or 5832.
Livestock Identification ( ID) and Traceability
Cattle
All cattle are required to have a passport. The British Cattle Movement Service ( BCMS) processes passport applications. Passports must be applied for within 7 days of tagging an animal. All cattle must be tagged with an approved eartag in each ear within 20 days of birth. In the case of dairy cattle, at least one of the tags must be fitted within 36 hours of birth. Except for dairy cattle, both primary and secondary tags must be applied at the same time. All cattle must be tagged before leaving the holding.
For cattle imported from other Member States, an application for a passport must be made within 15 days of the cattle arriving at the holding.
From 29 January 2001, legislation requires that all older cattle must be registered on the Cattle Tracing System ( CTS) database and hold a Certificate of Registration ( COR).
Any passport application to BCMS received after the legal deadline will be refused and a registration document will be issued confirming that although the animal has been refused a passport, it has been registered on CTS. This document is known as a NOR (Notice of Registration). Keepers who, for valid reasons, have been prevented from meeting a deadline may appeal to the BCMS Helpline, Tel: 0845 050 1234.
Failure to register cattle timeously and to record movements may mean that the animal cannot be used for human consumption. Under cross-compliance arrangements, failure to comply with livestock ID and traceability requirements may adversely affect your Single Farm Payment.
Cattle movements must be notified to the CTS database within 3 days.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -CTS website at www.bcms.gov.uk or via www.scotfarmonline.gov.uk . Both sites allow keepers with internet facilities direct access to the central database to register births, cattle movements and to download details to update farm records. BCMS Helpline - 0845 050 1234.
Pigs
The Pigs (Record, Identification and Movement) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2002 requires that all movements of pigs, including those going to slaughter, be notified to the Local Authority of the consigning location. This should be done on the relevant Declaration and a copy of this must be sent to the Local Authority within 3 days of the completed movement by the owner (or his agent).
CONTACT & INFORMATION - The Trading Standards Office for your Local Authority.
Sheep & Goats
The current Scottish Animal Movement System ( SAMS) covers Sheep and Goat Identification and Traceability in Scotland. It has 4 main elements:
- baseline tagging or tattooing
- movement tags
- standardised Movement Documents
- notification of movement to the Scottish Animal Movement Unit ( SAMU)
Full details of the system are explained in the current "Dear Keeper" letter issued on 29 July 2004 to all registered sheep and goat keepers. A copy of this letter can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/sgtagg-00.asp or a copy can be obtained from SAMU. SEERAD Area Offices can provide new books of movement documents.
Keepers who wish to notify movements to SAMU electronically can do so by going to www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/search/Q/searchfor/samu where the form should be completed as directed. Alternatively, details can be faxed or posted to the contact points below.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Queries on SAMS should be directed to SAMU staff on 0131 244 4202. Movement Document notifications to: Fax 0131 244 1946 or by post to Room 211, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, or e-mail SAMU@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Milk Quotas
The administration of milk quotas is undertaken by the Rural Payments Agency.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Rural Payments Agency, Milk Quotas, PO Box 277, Exeter, EX5 1WB. Dairy Schemes Helpline Tel: 01392 266466. Fax: 01392 266489, e-mail Milk.Quotas@rpa.gsi.gov.uk . General advice on dairy matters can be obtained from SEERAD, Tel: 0131 244 6953 or e-mail dairy.enquiry@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
National Fallen Stock Scheme
This scheme is available on a voluntary basis to all livestock keepers throughout the UK, including horse owners. Its purpose is to provide them with a cost effective and bio-secure means of complying with the statutory requirements prohibiting on-farm burial or burning of deadstock. The scheme benefits from Government funding and is able to offer members a collection and disposal service for fallen stock at a reduced charge. It is run by a Board of Directors nominated by the livestock industry.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Further information, including details on how to become a member, can be obtained from the NFSCo helpline, Tel: 0845 054 8888, or from ww.nationalfallenstock.co.uk
Pest Control
Foxes
Grants of up to 50% are available on approved expenditure incurred by fox destruction clubs undertaking systematic fox control in a four month unbroken period in the first half of the year.
Moles
Permits to purchase strychnine for destroying moles on ground which is in agricultural use may be obtained from SEERAD Area Offices.
Pest controllers should be aware that strychnine has been identified as an existing active substance under the ' EC biocidal products review' and unless a successful application is made for it to be considered as if it were a new active ingredient under that review, the approval for the supply and use of strychnine for mole control will expire on 1 September 2006.
Rats and Mice
Local Authorities provide advice on the control of rats and mice.
Wild Birds and Other Animals
In certain circumstances, licences may be granted for the killing or taking of certain protected species for the purpose of preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber or fisheries.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Further information on Pest Control can be obtained from SEERAD Area Offices or from the Wildlife Management Unit at SASA, Tel: Dr Gill Hartley on 0131 244 8804 or Steve Campbell on 0131 244 8871 or visit the SASA website on www.sasa.gov.uk
Pesticide Residues
Analysis of seed, crops or foodstuffs for a range of pesticides can be done by the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency ( SASA). This can be used to provide information on efficacy of treatments or to ensure compliance with maximum residue limits under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and The Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Crops, Food and Feeding Stuffs) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (as amended).
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SASA, Tel: 0131 244 8864.
Plant Breeders' Rights and National List
Statutory Schemes for potatoes, cereals and many other agricultural and horticultural species enable the breeder of a new variety to sell it and control its commercial reproduction.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD, Mail Point 1 - B, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6341.
- Applications for licences to deal in varieties which are subject to plant breeders' rights may be obtained from the British Society of Plant Breeders Ltd, Woolpack Chambers, Market Street, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4ND, Tel: 01353 653 200;
- Plant breeders seeking rights for new varieties may obtain details from the Controller of Plant Variety Rights, Plant Variety Rights Office, DEFRA, White House Lane, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LF; and
- Applications for National List tests may be obtained from DEFRA at the above address.
Plants, Plant Produce and Potatoes
Intra-community trade in the Single Market is governed by a system of registration for horticultural growers and the use of plant passports.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD, Horticultural Unit, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6303.
Phytosanitary conditions for the export of seed potatoes.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Agriculture/plant/18273/12459
All queries relating to potatoes should be directed in the first instance to your SEERAD Area Office.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Advice on conditions to be met for import and export including the need for phytosanitary certification and import licensing can be obtained from SEERAD, Mail Point 1 - B, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6345.
Quality Meat Scotland ( QMS)
Quality Meat Scotland represents the Scottish red meat industry and works closely with the sector to help improve its efficiency and profitability. Supported by statutory levies, QMS is responsible for a range of functions relating to the Scottish red meat industry which were previously undertaken by the MLC at GB level.
QMS's aims reflect the broad range of red meat sector activity in Scotland. These are to:
- be the first port of call in Scotland for positive and authoritative information about the red meat industry
- be a catalyst for adoption of best practice throughout the red meat chain
- build on existing consumer confidence and preference for the Scotch product
- undertake a marketing strategy based on segmentation, product/brand integrity and simplicity
- enhance the culture of trust throughout the red meat supply and demand chain.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Quality Meat Scotland Ltd, The Rural Centre, West Mains, Ingliston, EH28 8NZ, Tel: 0131 472 4040, Fax: 0131 472 4038, e-mail info@qmscotland.co.uk or visit www.qmscotland.co.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH)
SNH's aims are to:
- safeguard Scotland's natural heritage, particularly its natural, genetic and scenic diversity
- foster awareness and understanding of the natural heritage
- promote enjoyment and responsible public access to the natural heritage in ways which do not damage it
- encourage public support and voluntary effort for the benefit of the environment
- promote improvement of the natural heritage in and around towns and cities where most of Scotland's people live
- encourage environmental sustainability in all forms of economic activity
SNH will be launching a suite of new grant schemes during 2005 which support the above objectives, some of which may be of relevance to land managers.
SNH's Natural Care programme provides payments to help protect and enhance the management of Sites of Scientific Interest ( SSSIs) and Natura sites. Individual schemes, developed by SNH, set out specific management prescriptions for the benefit of particular conservation interests.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - On grant schemes: Grants Team, Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW, Tel: 01738 444 177, e-mail Grants@snh.gov.uk or visit website www.snh.org.uk
On the Natural Care programme: Natural Care Team, Scottish Natural Heritage, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW, Tel: 01738 444 177, e-mail natural.care@snh.gov.uk
Scrapie
Flocks monitored free from scrapie and sheep which are of the ARR/ ARR genotype are eligible for intra-community trade in breeding sheep and goats.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Animal Health Offices or from SEERAD, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6281.
The National Scrapie Plan ( NSP) for Great Britain was launched in July 2001 by SEERAD, DEFRA and NAWAD. The aim is to reduce and eliminate scrapie from the national sheep flock by selective breeding for genetic resistance to scrapie in breeding rams and by tackling disease in scrapie-affected flocks.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -NSP Helpline 0845 601 4858 or visit the website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/bse/othertses/scrapie/nsp/index.html or contact Anna Murray, NSP Branch, Room 349, SEERAD, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6413.
The Scottish Agricultural College ( SAC) provides a private scrapie gene testing service. The test is carried out on a blood sample.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Catriona Ritchie, Manager, Sheep and Goat Health Schemes, SAC, PO Box 5557, Inverness, IV2 4YT, Tel: 01463 226 995, e-mail sghs@sac.ac.uk or visit www.sac.ac.uk/consultancy/sghs
Seed Potato Classification Scheme
Before seed potatoes can be marketed they must meet the requirements of The Seed Potatoes (Scotland) Regulations 2000. The Scottish Agricultural Science Agency ( SASA) is the Certifying Authority for seed potatoes in Scotland.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Conditions for producing seed potatoes and details of standards for health and purity may be obtained from SPCS section, SASA, East Craigs, 82 Craigs Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NJ, Tel: 0131 244 6344, e-mail Charles.Laing@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or visit website www.sasa.gov.uk/seed_potatoes/classification/index.cfm
Soil testing for potato cyst nematode is a compulsory prerequisite for land on which all classes of seed potatoes entered for classification are grown.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Application forms can be obtained from SASA (contact details as above), or from SEERAD Area Offices.
Before they are despatched from the farm, all containers of classified seed potatoes must be sealed and labelled with official labels and subjected to official examination. Labels are obtainable from SEERAD Area Offices on payment of a fee accompanying a written application giving prior notice of the dates and place of dressing.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SEERAD Area Offices or from SASA.
A range of diagnostic and laboratory services is available directly from SASA. These include virus testing on tuber, leaf or soil samples, PCN testing of soil from land or crops and production of pathogen-free tubers or microplants.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -SASA, Tel: 0131 244 8924 or visit www.sasa.gov.uk
Seed Testing
The Official Seed Testing Station for Scotland ( OSTS), part of the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency ( SASA), is the principal centre for seed testing and seed quality information in Scotland.
A wide range of tests, including purity, germination, moisture content, disease, thousand seed weight, tetrazolium and malting tests are available to merchants and growers, either for statutory purposes relating to seed certification or to provide information on the quality of farm-saved seed. The OSTS is accredited by the International Seed Testing Association. It is also accredited by UKAS to the ISO/ IEC 17025 Standard.
CONTACT & INFORMATION -OSTS, SASA, East Craigs, Edinburgh, EH12 8NJ, Tel: 0131 244 8908, Fax: 0131 244 8971, e-mail Caroline.Cadger@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.sasa.gov.uk/seed-testing/osts/index.cfm
SEERAD Online
SEERAD Online is part of SEERAD's Modernising Government Initiative and also fulfils one of the recommendations made by the External Communications Strategy (a strategy developed by a panel of industry representatives) for the electronic submission of subsidy claims.
The website enables producers and their agents to send claims directly to the Department over the Internet. Customers can also view business information such as Single Farm Payment entitlements. This is a free and secure service and the site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Personalised claim forms are subjected to automatic checks on dates, calculations and related information thus minimising the chance of making errors before claims are submitted. Once forms have been transmitted/submitted to the Department, the sender will receive an electronic receipt which can be printed at any time.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Visit the website at www.scotfarmonline.gov.uk or contact the SEERAD Online Helpdesk on 0845 601 7597 or by e-mail on seeradonline@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
TSE Surveillance
The TSE surveillance requirements apply to
- all bovine animals aged over 24 months found dead or killed for welfare reasons either on-farm or during transport; and
- all caprine animals aged over 18 months found dead or killed for welfare reasons either on-farm or during transport.
Keepers are legally required to report deaths which fall within these categories to the TSE Surveillance Helpline Service, Tel: 0800 525 890. The helpline staff will arrange for the collection, TSE testing and disposal of the carcase(s) free of charge to the keeper.
In addition, the UK Government is obliged to test a sample of ovine animals aged over 18 months found dead or killed for welfare reasons either on-farm or during transport. Keepers should report deaths in this category to their nearest Animal Health Divisional Office. Carcases taken as part of this sample population are also collected, tested and disposed of free of charge.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - If you are in any doubt as to whether your fallen animals are covered by the TSE surveillance requirements, please contact SEERAD, Tel: 0131 244 6642, for advice.
Wages
The Wages Orders of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board and the Guide "Agricultural Wages in Scotland" detail the minimum rates of wages, overtime, holidays, sick pay and other terms and conditions of employment for workers in agriculture.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - The Secretary, Scottish Agricultural Wages Board, Room 259, Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY, Tel: 0131 244 6392 or visit the Scottish Executive's website at www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/agri/awis9-00.asp
Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme
This scheme exists to investigate the cause of death of any animals (wild animals, livestock or companion animals) in circumstances where pesticide poisoning may be implicated.
CONTACT & INFORMATION - Information and/or samples in relation to any suspected incidents should be given to the relevant SEERAD Area Office or directly to the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency, Tel: Ken Hunter or Elizabeth Sharp on 0131 244 8874, e-mail ken.hunter@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or elizabeth.sharp@sasa.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.sasa.gov.uk/pesticide-wildlife/wiis/index.cfm
SEERAD AREA OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS
LOCAL ANIMAL HEALTH OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS
Divisional Office | Address and Telephone | Local Office | Telephone Number |
|---|
Ayr | Russell House
King Street
KA8 0BE
01292 268525 | Dumfries
Stranraer | All enquiries through Ayr Office |
|---|
Galashiels | Cotgreen Road
Tweedbank
TD1 3SG
01896 758806 | Hamilton | 01698 286509 |
|---|
Inverness | Longman House
28 Longman Rd
IV1 1SF
01463 253098 | Thurso | 01847 893275 |
|---|
Perth | Strathearn House
Broxden Business Park
Lamberkine Drive
PH1 1RX
01738 602211 | Oban | 01631 562502 |
|---|
Inverurie | Thainstone Court
AB51 5YA
01467 626300 | Kirkwall
Elgin | 01856 873301
01343 543871 |
|---|
OTHER ORGANISATIONS/CONTACT DETAILS
Crofters Commission
Castle Wynd
Inverness IV2 3EQTel: 01463 663450
Fax: 01463 711820
E-mail: info@crofterscommission.org.uk
Website: www.crofterscommission.org.uk
Deer Commission for Scotland
Knowsley
82 Fairfield Road
Inverness IV3 5LHTel: 01463 231751
Fax: 01463 712931
E-mail: enquiries@deercom.com
Website: www.dcs.gov.uk
FWAG Scotland
Easter Poldar
Thornhill
Stirling FK8 3QTTel: 01786 870185
Fax: 01786 870186
E-mail: steven.hunt@fwag.org.uk
Website: www.fwag.org.uk/scotland/
NFU Scotland Head Office
Rural Centre - West Mains
Ingliston
Midlothian EH28 8LTTel: 0131 472 4000
Fax: 0131 472 4010
E-mail: webmaster@nfus.org.uk
Website: www.nfus.org.uk
SAC
West Mains Road
Edinburgh EH9 3JGTel: 0131 535 4185
Fax: 0131 535 4332
E-mail: information@sac.ac.uk
Website: www.sac.ac.uk
Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
82 Craigs Road
East Craigs
Edinburgh
EH12 8NJTel: 0131 244 8890
Fax: 0131 244 8940
Email: info@sasa.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.sasa.gov.uk
Scottish Crofting Foundation
The Steading, Balmacara Square
Balmacara
IV40 8DJTel: 01520 722891
Fax: 01520 722932
E-mail: hq@crofting.org
Website: www.croftingfoundation.co.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage
12 Hope Terrace
Edinburgh
EH9 2ASTel: 0131 447 4784
Fax: 0131 446 2277
E-mail: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
Website: www.snh.org.uk
Scottish Rural Property and Business Association ( SRPBA)
Stuart House
Eskmills Business Park
Musselburgh
EH21 7PBTel: 0131 653 5400
Fax: 0131 653 5401
E-mail: info@srpba.com
Website:
www.srpba.com