Grazing fee tests rules

LANDOWNERS will "test" Single Farm Payment (SFP) rules by renting out for a daily fee per animal, using grazing to keep the land in "good agricultural condition."

Officials in the Department of Agriculture confirmed that it came to their attention recently that some land owners who plan to activate SFP payments in 2005, intend to rent the land for grazing.

There is no specific regulation within the scheme to deal with this practice, but Department officials have issued a warning that the land owners risk forfeiting their entitlements if they proceed without official authorisation.