NFU Scotland Supporting Cross Compliance Training

NFU Scotland is supporting a Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate initiative to provide training for farmers and crofters on cross-compliance.

Cross-compliance refers to the rules that farmers and crofters must adhere to in order to receive their Single Farm Payment. Following industry demand, the training is being offered in the hope that additional clarification of the rules, along with practical demonstrations, will aid farmers and crofters in their farm management.

A total of nineteen events will be taking place all across Scotland, from Shetland to Dumfries, during February and March.

The content of the events will vary slightly depending on the type of farming predominant in each area. The format will, in each case, consist of practical examples and on-farm demonstrations by Scottish Government inspectors of some of the key pressure points within cross-compliance and some of the most common breaches. Advice will be given as to how to avoid problem areas and solutions offered and then attendees will have the chance to ask questions.

Jim McLaren, NFU Scotland President, said:

"As a farmer myself, I recognise the importance of cross-compliance and fully understand that the rules governing whether or not we are entitled to our single farm payment can appear complex. A pilot cross-compliance training day has already taken place and NFU Scotland staff and members who attended it found it to be extremely valuable.

"There is nothing like a practical demonstration to aid understanding and I feel sure that anyone who attends one of these events will not only find them interesting but will also be able to rest in the knowledge that they have the tools to ensure they fully adhere to the rules."