The Scottish Government has imposed restrictive rules on the growing of nitrogen fixing crops which could mean Scottish farmers lose out on financial support.
Under the EU’s regulations, coming into force on 1st January 2015, farmers with more than 15 hectares of arable land must use 5% of it as an Ecological Focus Area (EFA) to benefit the environment and climate.
This is known as ‘greening’ and can include the use of nitrogen fixing crops. Crops such as peas and beans are valuable in minimising the use of artificial fertilisers and benefitting water quality.
However, the Scottish Government’s new guidance requires more than one crop to be planted, an annual harvest and maintenance of field margins.
Farmers who do not meet these requirements could see a reduction in farm support. By an NFU estimate, in 2015 this could mean the loss of more than 30% of their direct payments.
Similar requirements have not been imposed on English farmers by the UK government
NFU Scotland has been heavily critical of this move expressing ‘deep disappointment’ and saying it ‘severely limits’ options for Scottish growers.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Scottish Government has failed to apply these rules flexibly and it is farmers who are set to miss out.
“I find this a surprising announcement from the Scottish Government, given they are quick to criticise the UK Government any time they believe similar regulations are ‘gold-plated’ by Westminster.
“The EU has already provided member states with flexibility in deciding how to impose these rules, but the Scottish Government has instead decided to place unnecessary requirements on farmers.
“This could mean less land is used for the benefit of the environment, but it may also mean some farmers lose out on financial support.”
“The agriculture industry is vital to the Perth and Kinross and Fife economy, employing a huge number of people in our region. We cannot afford to see it suffer and the Scottish Government must ensure it does all it can to help support famers.”