NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: “The NFU has lobbied for the continuation of dual use throughout the development of Countryside Stewardship to allow business flexibility.
“So while we welcome the decision to allow dual use for applications for next year, it is frustrating that Defra has taken until now to reach a decision on this year’s applications so late in the process.
:: See also - Dual-use continues but not for Mid-Tier applicants this year
What is dual use?
Dual use is the practice where, on the same parcel of land, there are different claimants for agri-environment schemes and Basic Payment Scheme.
Some examples of mid-tier environmental schemes, under the new Countryside Stewardship schemes, include reducing diffuse water pollution or improving the farmed environment from farmland birds and pollinators and more.
“The application window for mid-tier schemes closes in eight days’ time, leaving very little time for applicants to change their applications in response.
"This confusion won’t encourage farmers to put in applications for this year. We also understand applicants have the choice to remove land with dual use from their application or leave making an application until next year.”
The announcement does not affect ELS or HLS arrangements. Dual use there will continue for both until the agreement finishes.
The mid-tier application window closes on 30 September for agreements to start on 1 January 2016.
More...
- Our agri-environment pages
- Countryside Stewardship and Farmed Environment Survey
- Mid-tier Application Checklist & RLE1 Forms
- Countryside Stewardship: Our latest Overview
- Transparent timeline on CAP payments needed
- Countryside Stewardship Appeals and Complaints
- Outline of Countryside Stewardship Penalty Regime