Scottish farmers will soon be able to include hedges as part of their ecological focus area (EFA) obligations.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has announced changes to Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) greening rules from 2018.
These include: the inclusion of hedges as a separate type of EFA; the inclusion of agro-forestry supported under the Forestry Grant Scheme and located on temporary grassland as an EFA; and a shortening of the period during which maintenance of field drains is prohibited on EFA fallow.
“We are committed to ensuring that greening rules are effective for the environment and do not introduce a disproportionate burden for our farmers,” said Mr Ewing.
Meanwhile, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told yesterday’s NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow that Professor Russel Griggs will lead a review of the government’s approach to greening.
The review group will recommend how policy and support mechanisms can be used to promote profitable farming while meeting environmental commitments.
NFU Scotland’s director of policy, Jonnie Hall, said the changes to the 2018 were a “step in the right direction”.
He added: “We will be working with Scottish Government officials on implementing these while still seeking further valuable improvements for future scheme years.”
Ringlink and AgriScot chairman Andrew Moir, who farms at Mains of Thornton near Laurencekirk, welcomed the inclusion of hedges as an EFA.
He said: “It’s positive news for people who’ve planted a lot of hedges I planted 7-8km of hedges in the last 15-20 years and I will now think about planting more.”