« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
SMALL UNITS
(a) Conservation Management Plan with Special Measures for Small Units (Rural Priorities)
Objectives
To encourage a mosaic of habitats of conservation value across the whole unit including apportionments by implementation of a management plan. Within the Crofting Counties to encourage a community effort by means of a management plan, to maintain or enhance areas of conservation interest within the boundary of a crofting community.
Scope and actions
Implementation of a detailed Conservation Management Plan for the whole unit i.e. entire in-bye and any apportionments.
The Plan must:
- Set out clear environmental objectives; and
- Explain the management to be undertaken to achieve these objectives by addressing all areas of activity on the unit ( i.e. grazing management, winter feed production, cropping, farm livestock management, management of special habitats/features etc. including BAP habitats and species, pollution control).
Collective applications
Four or more current applications to adopt this option from the same crofting community will be deemed to be part of a collective application and be eligible for the premium rate of payment.
Collaborative approach
Within Crofting Counties, a submission that is one of at least 4 applications from the same crofting community will be deemed to be part of a collective application. This is desirable.
Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities
To encourage a mosaic of habitats of conservation value across small units and within the crofting counties encourage community effort, through a management plan to maintain or enhance areas of conservation interest within the boundary of the crofting community.
Geographical targeting
Units with in-bye amounting to no more than 20 hectares on entry to the Scheme (excluding any apportionments, house and steading).
Agri-environment Baseline
Relevant legislation. SMR1-18. | Relevant GAEC measures. | Management beyond the Baseline SRDP |
|---|
SMR5 Conservation of flora and fauna | GAEC11 Overgrazing | SMR5: This option requires the preparation and implementation of a site-specific conservation management plan covering the entire holding in order to benefit birds, flora and fauna. GAEC 11: Grazing will be managed to promote the growth, structure and species composition of vegetation on the land. The plan must set out clear environmental objectives for the holding. The plan must include grazing management and positive management of special habitats. |
Amounts of support
The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.
Payment Rate: €36.50/ha plus fixed sum of €262.80.
Payment rate Premium: €36.50/ha plus fixed sum of €401.50.
(b) Grazing Management of Cattle (Rural Priorities)
Objectives
In combination with prescription for Conservation management plan with special measures for small units, to encourage a mosaic of habitats with conservation value across the whole unit including apportionments or, on non-croft land, rough grazings extending to less than 10 hectares, by means of a management plan and the appropriate management of Scottish cattle providing significant benefits for both the natural heritage, landscape and local economy. These breeds are not endangered breeds but are smaller and hardier breeds capable of withstanding difficult conditions.
Scope and actions
- Option 1: The unit supports two or more breeding cows of Scottish traditional or native breed(s) on entry into this Scheme and will continue to do so for the lifetime of the agreement; or
- Option 2: On application to join the Scheme, the business either does not have a herd of breeding cows or the existing herd has only one or no dams of either purebred or first cross native or traditional stock and the unit will run two or more breeding cows or heifers of traditional or native breed(s) by the end of the first plan year, with the heifers to calve down by the end of the second Plan year. If the Scottish Executive deems it necessary to achieve sustainable stocking levels and ensure that Scheme objectives are not frustrated, the numbers of any sheep on the unit must be reduced. You will be eligible for the premium rate of payment if you are able to adopt this option.
What is a breeding cow?
In order to be considered a breeding cow, the cow must form part of a herd either used for rearing calves for meat production or used for milk production and have borne a calf.
Which breeds of cow are acceptable under this Scheme option?
Any of the following Scottish native and traditional breeds:
- Aberdeen Angus
- Ayrshire
- Belted Galloway
- Galloway
- Highland
- Luing
- Shetland
- Shorthorn
- First crosses of these native breeds. The use of a continental bull across the herd is permitted.
Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities
To encourage the creation of mosaics by using cattle of traditional or native breeds as a grazing management tool, providing significant benefits for both the natural heritage, landscape and the local economy.
Geographical targeting
Units with in-bye accounting to no more than 20 hectares on entry to the Scheme and any apportionments but excluding any share in the common grazings.
Agri-environment Baseline
Relevant legislation. SMR1-18. | Relevant GAEC measures. | Management beyond the Baseline SRDP |
|---|
SMR5 Conservation of flora and fauna | GAEC11 Overgrazing | SMR5: This option requires the preparation and implementation of a site-specific conservation management plan covering the entire holding in order to benefit birds, flora and fauna. GAEC11: This option promotes the growth, structure and species composition of vegetation on the land by encouraging the grazing of (lighter) cattle of native or traditional breed. The plan must set out clear environmental benefits to be gained from cattle grazing. Overall livestock numbers must be carefully managed: the plan may require the removal of sheep to secure the desired conservation benefits. |
Amounts of support
The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.
Payment Rate: Introduction of cattle €398.58/ha
Payment Rate: Retention of cattle €270.10/ha
« Previous | Contents | Next »