Single Payment scheme more sinned against than sinning

THE inevitable wave of negativity towards qualifiers for high EU Single Payment payments is unfair and misplaced.

But only time will tell if the system of allocation adopted by our Department of Agriculture, under which they qualify fair and square, was the right system to choose.

It has already thrown up huge inequities, led to financial hardship for some, caused resentment between neighbouring farmers, and widened the gap between well to do and the less fortunate farmers.