Final chance for moorland appeal

FARMERS HAVE been reminded that if they want to query the accuracy of the moorland line for single farm payment purposes they are running out of time.

The Rural Payments Agency has warned the closing date for any new representations is Nov 5.

Farmers are being offered the chance to check that land is correctly classified because moorland will attract the lowest rate of SFP.

According to the agency, moorland should predominantly be semi-natural vegetation, or a mix of semi-natural vegetation and rock outcrops.

By semi-natural vegetation, it means that the ground is covered by species characteristic of grassy and shrubby upland heaths.

The official closing date for representations was actually Sept 24 but the agency has been processing applications received since that time.

The minimum sized area that can be defined as moorland – or alternatively excluded from surrounding areas is 5ha (12 acres).