Know the pitfalls beforethe inspector calls

MANY of the pitfalls that can land farmers in trouble with the Department of Agriculture and Food are well known but they may not come to a farmer’s notice until the inspector calls — and it’s too late then.

In the Single Payment Scheme, common mistakes include failure to declare all land parcels; to submit amendments in time; to manage setaside; to remove forestry from the forage area, when land is planted; and to apply for at least 50% of the eligible area declared during the three reference years (if the farmer has consolidated the SPS payment).

In the Disadvantaged Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme, not living within a 70 miles daily commuting distance, or not maintaining the required stocking density, are usual problems.