Rural Community Gateway

Recent extreme wet weather had prompted the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) to request the derogation. The rain has damaged pasture and hampered the cutting of hay and silage for food. Under European Union rules set aside land cannot normally be used for agricultural production between January 15 and August 31, except non-food crops grown under contract for approved use.

Nigel Miller, NFUS Vice President welcomed the news. He said, "We’re grateful to Mr Lochhead for using the flexibility available. We have had members on the phone hugely concerned at the impact of the wet weather on their ability to feed their livestock, hence our request for the derogation.

"The increasingly unpredictable nature of the weather means this kind of flexibility in EU legislation is becoming more and more important. Last year we needed derogation because of very dry weather and this year because the ground has been sodden.

"Farmers will welcome the recognition of the difficulties on the ground and the sped with which the Cabinet Secretary and his officials have acted."

Farmers who want to use the derogation should email or write to their local Scottish Executive area office explaining their need to use the land.

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