LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENT
SRPBA gives evidence on Hills and Islands Report
Dr Karen Smyth, SRPBA’s Rural Development Manager, gave evidence on 12 May to the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee, which is considering the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Inquiry Report in Scotland’s Hills and Islands, specifically regarding future LFASS payments. Karen said: “There must be
greater clarity on what LFASS is delivering. The Association believes that CAP funds should be paid for the delivery of public goods such as water management, soil management, carbon storage and flood management. “The SRPBA recognises the need for a greater degree of stability in the farming sector and
we are therefore proposing that future CAP funding in Scotland should move to a contract-based approach between the farmer and the public which would offer clarity on what farmers are being asked to deliver in exchange for payment. “Such contracts would be over a longer time frame, say five years, and could incorporate payments
for Single Farm Payment, LFASS and environmental payments. “The SRPBA believes that future payment rates should not be set on the basis of agricultural income forgone, as market returns in LFASS areas of Scotland are marginal and such a system would not guarantee the survival of businesses that deliver associated public benefits.”
Help in claiming rural funds
Providing grants to communities is one of the key practical actions that the Scottish Government takes to support community empowerment. In the Rural Funding Opportunities Guide, you will find information about grant assistance from the Scottish Government, its agencies and bodies. You will
also find contact points to help you get started.
Crofting Reform Bill
The latest Crofting Reform Bill has progressed to stage 2, during which time it will received line by line scrutiny by the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee. The second meeting of the
Minister’s Crofting Reform Reference Group took place on 19 May and Jackie McCreery attended for the SRPBA. The SRPBA has also held meetings
with MSPs to highlight concerns, including the following: ◆ Croft register – we believe it will be unnecessary and create delay and expense if an estate sale or bequest triggers registration of all crofts at the seller’s expense ◆ The need for landowner representation on the Crofting Commission ◆ The need for a more flexible
Visit
www.scotland.gov.uk/ Resource/Doc/309389/0097488.pdf
moves to the next stage Rural Priorities information
alternative to the 16km rule for residency ◆ removal of the distinction between family and non-family assignation and succession which weakens family links to the croft.
For further information, please e-mail Jackie McCreery at
jackie.mccreery@
srpba.com
LANDBUSINESS ISSUE 36 JUNE-JULY 2010
The Scottish Government has developed an Introductory Pack for potential applicants to the Rural Priorities element of the SRDP.
For information, visit www.
scotland.gov.uk/Publications/ 2010/04/15114504/0
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