08/08/07 - Set-aside - Derogation to allow grazing on set-aside due to Foot and Mouth movement restrictions
Paragraph 106 of the 2006 ‘Set-aside Handbook and Guidance for England’ states that during the set-aside period (15 January to 31 August) set-aside land must not normally be used for agricultural production, including grazing.
In light of restrictions on animal movements put in place following confirmation that Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) virus was present in samples from cattle on the a holding in Surrey a derogation to allow land set aside in 2007 to be grazed or harvested for animal feed is being made available to farmers. This derogation allows farmers to graze set-aside land with their own animals or harvest hay or silage for their own uses where it is necessary due to the movement restrictions and will remain in place until the end of the set-aside period (31 August). Outside of the Set-aside period (15 January to 31 August) farmers are free to graze / harvest in this way in most cases.
Farmers should please take note that set-aside land can only be accessed if it does not involve a breach of the movement restrictions. There are also restrictions on the movement of fodder (including hay and straw) to premises in the Protection Zone - this can only be done under licence.
Farmers wishing to make use of this derogation should telephone or e-mail RPA providing the reference numbers for the fields which they wish to graze or harvest. Exceptionally in these circumstances, farmers may consider that the derogation has been granted unless RPA makes contact to confirm otherwise.
Notes:
1. In the title of the email or in the reference of your letter please quote
"Set-aside exemption - FMD".
2. Emails should be sent to: csc@rpa.gsi.gov.uk
3. Telephone enquiries to should be made to the Customer Service
Centre on 0845 603 7777
Page published: 8 August 2007