Farming matters

It’s showtime!

A better-late-than-never exemption to the three-crop rule was granted yesterday by Europe to help farmers who are struggling to meet sowing deadlines.

European Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan announced the derogation following appeals by Defra, the Scottish Government and the farmers’ unions in mid-April.

Cold, wet conditions worked against ground preparations and planting this spring and followed reduced plantings as a result of difficult conditions in the autumn. The two situations combined to make it almost impossible for Scottish farmers to meet the three-crop rule condition.

NFU Scotland president, Andrew McCornick described the decision as “sensible and pragmatic”.

“We are pleased that decision has now been made,” he said.

“Although we are deep into the planting season, a derogation from the three-crop requirement may yet make a difference to some of our farmers. It is already so late for some parts of the country, that fallow may be a more economic option than planting.”

The three-crop rule was introduced to tackle monoculture in parts of the European Union and has been consistently criticised by farmers as inappropriate for Scottish conditions and markets.

Mr McCornick said: “In the future, we want Scottish farmers to be able to plant crops that are economically viable and most likely to secure a market rather than being obligated to plant crops late in the season that will be unsuited to Scottish conditions and difficult to harvest.”

However, while a derogation from the three-crop rule has been secured, Scottish farmers and crofters have been reminded they are required to meet all the other elements of greening rules, such as the need for Ecological Focus Areas. They also need to complete their Single Application Forms for all Cap schemes by May 15.

Scottish farmers are optimistic they will be free to grow for markets such as malting and distilling without having to set acres aside for other crops.