Following approval of the Rural Development Contract:
- The Contract will be data captured to allow a computer-based validation of the Options and areas managed. This will involve cross checking against the Single Application Form, Legacy agri-environment and forestry schemes and Field Identification System for any eligibility or double funding issues.
- At inspection, the inspector will verify the areas under management are the same as the claimed areas. In cases where there is dispute the area may be measured using precision equipment.
- The inspector will check the requirements of each Option are being met (as detailed under 'what you can do') by a visual assessment on the day of the inspection. For example:
Option - Management of Flood Plains.
One of the requirements - no cultivations within 12m of the water's edge.
The inspector will measure the distance between any cultivations and the water's edge.
- The inspector may ask to see records to ensure the requirements of an Option are being met, for example, pesticide records.
- Inspectors may also ask to see copies of any permissions granted, for example permissions from Scottish Natural Heritage.
- Minimum requirements for fertiliser use - the inspector will check that fertilisers have not been applied:
Where they are likely to enter a watercourse
When the land is flooded, the soil is frozen, or is covered in snow
To steeply sloping fields
Any middens are located at least 10m from a watercourse or field drain and at least 50m away from any spring, well or borehole.
- Minimum requirements for plant protection products - the inspector will check that the beneficiary:
Has a Pesticide record book and that it is completed and up to date
Has a licence to use the products (or employs a contractor with a licence)
Meets the training obligations and requirements on safe storage
Meets the rules on spraying close to water and other sensitive sites