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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Set-aside rates for 2004 confirmed

14/01/2004

Changes to the Arable Area Payment Scheme for 2004 have now been agreed, as have details of new aid for protein and energy crops.

In response to a fall in production for the 2003 EU harvest, the Council of Ministers has reduced the obligatory set-aside requirement from 10% to 5% for 2004.

As part of the CAP Reform measures currently being finalised, the European Council of Ministers has also agreed to introduce the following changes from 2004:

• A protein crop payment can be claimed for protein crops grown on land ,other than set-aside, and for crops grown as forage. If farmers wish to claim the new protein crop premium of approximately £33 per hectare, they will need to complete an Area Aid Application under the 2004 IACS exercise.

• Farmers who grow energy crops on land other than set-aside, can claim the energy crop payment of approximately £27 per hectare. Production must be covered by a contract (or a declaration if processing the crop on your holding).

• For both the protein premium and the energy crops scheme, crops can be grown on any land whether AAPS eligible or not. But all claims for protein or energy payments must be made on the Area Aid Application form. Those who do not currently submit a AAA form should contact SEERAD to ensure they receive a copy of the IACS Booklet and forms when they are issued in March.

For further details, please contact your local SEERAD area office.

Page updated: Saturday, July 17, 2004