NFU seeks roll over for hill farm allowance

The NFU is asking for a roll over period for the current Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) scheme whilst the replacement system is under development.

Defra is consulting currently on the HFA. If a new scheme were to be introduced it would need to be implemented on January 1, 2007 and passed and agreed by the EU well before that date. Given there are huge problems with the delivery of the Single Payment System at the moment, the NFU has little confidence that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will have the resources to deliver a brand new scheme in six months.

The NFU is concerned this timescale gives very little time to develop and test the new payment scheme and incorporate it into the Entry Level Scheme. There also needs to be ample time to get forms to farmers and give them time to complete and return them before implementation.

NFU hill farming spokesman, Will Cockbain, said: "Given the current chaos with the Single Payment Scheme, it is not realistic to expect the RPA to develop, test and implement another system. Rather than rush another badly thought-out scheme through, it would be common sense to roll over the existing HFA and give people time to develop something that works from the outset.

"We are supportive of the move to link up with the agri-environment schemes in the future, because it offers longer term stability and recognition of the hugely important role hill farmers already play in the management of the countryside. Delaying an over-hasty introduction of the HFA replacement is especially important as it will give time the real design problems contained in the Entry Level Scheme (ELS) to be ironed out. The NFU is campaigning for an ELS which is truly accessible.

"The NFU's hill farming project group urges Defra to recognise this and take the time necessary for a smooth transition."

The Defra consultation on the Hill Farm Allowance closes on May 22, 2006. The NFU will be submitting a full report on the subject as part of this process.