Scottish Active Farmer Rules

The Scottish Government has released revised Active Farmer rules.  These relate to minimum activity levels and represent a simplification of the requirements set out last month. 

• Farmers with agricultural land that has to be ‘maintained’ in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation will need to take steps to control injurious weeds and maintain features normally associated with active grazing on this kind of land (the second part of the rule seems a little vague – hopefully more detail will be forthcoming at some point).  This part of the rules relates to land in Payment Region 1.
• Farmers with agricultural land that is ‘naturally’ in a state that is suitable for grazing or cultivation will need to be sure that for 183 days in a year they either meet a minimum stocking density of 0.05LU/Ha or, where justified, a minimum stocking density that is in line with the carrying capacity of the land, or they will need to cut their vegetation on an annual basis.  Again, what might constitute a justification for a lower stoking rate is not outlined.  The other criteria such as having handling facilities or a flock health plan have been dropped.   All land in Payment Regions 2 and 3 is defined as being ‘naturally’ kept in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation.

The Scottish Government is keep to avoid ‘slipper farmers’ claiming under the BPS.  In theory, it will still be possible to claim without having any stock.  But the requirement to cut vegetation on an annual basis will be a barrier to most such claims in more remote areas.