This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Set aside derogation
11/08/2006
Farmers in Scotland will be allowed to use set-aside land for grazing livestock before the end of the set-aside period on 31 August, Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie confirmed on 11 August 2006. The European Commission has approved a derogation from the normal regulations because of exceptional weather conditions.
Mr Finnie said: "Whilst the rest of the country has been able to enjoy this extended period of fine weather, farmers have been concerned about the being able to feed their livestock. That is why we have pressed for this derogation and I am delighted it has been approved."
Under EU Regulations, the set-aside period is 15 January-31 August and in normal circumstances, such land, with one exception, must not be used for any type of agricultural production during that period. (The only exception being non-food crops grown under contract for an approved end use.)
However, the exceptionally low rainfall in the United Kingdom has seriously affected fodder supplies. The United Kingdom was able to put forward a case to use set-aside land for animal feed purposes in order to prevent practical problems for farmers. Farmers and crofters will be able to graze their own animals on set-aside land or take a fodder crop for them.
Farmers who wish to make use of this derogation should e-mail or write to their local Area Office explaining their need to graze set-aside land or to use the cuttings to feed stock. This 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.
This release was published on 21/08/206