A new generation of slipper farmers is on the horizon due to loopholes in the new Common Agricultural Policy (Cap), claims a group of Scots young farmers.
According to SAC consultant Robert Ramsay, the emerging generation of slipper farmers is set to have a far greater impact on active farmers than those in the past regime.
Mr Ramsay is a member of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) agri and rural affairs committee.
Following a meeting of the committee with EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan at last month’s Royal Highland Show, he has drawn up a report for the commissioner on the issue.
His report highlights that although the new Cap regime will result in entitlements being issued to new entrants, a number of tenants will be disadvantaged due to the scheme’s rules.
“With the definition of activity being very vague, there are a significant proportion of landlords who have chosen to claim their land on their Iacs in the hopes they will get entitlement,” said Mr Ramsay.
“This puts significant pressure on the tenant who will be expected to meet their rent and actively farm the ground with no support payments.”
Mr Ramsay, who works in SAC Consulting’s Ayr office, said of the 621 Single Application Forms handled by the office, 59 were active farming businesses which had seasonal land taken off them to allow their landlord to submit a claim against the land.
He said: “In a number of cases, landlords have taken land away from new entrants who have been farming without government support and are literally hanging on by their finger tips.
“When a landlord takes away their right to claim the land, a reduction in not only their payment but also their enthusiasm to take their farm forward will result.”
Agricultural subsidies were vital to keep Scots farmers in business, said Mr Ramsay.
“The landlords who are now being supported through this loophole in legislation are impossible to justify, they don’t inject any money into the agricultural economy and dilute the pot of money available for active farmers,” he added.
“It is appreciated that the time for lobbying and complaining about the new Cap is probably past. However, if there is to be a mid-term review of the Cap, it is of the upmost importance that the issue of activity is readdressed to ensure the limited budget is targeted at those who really need it.”