§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with English Nature about biodiversity in English orchards. [177784]
§ Alun MichaelOfficials have been in discussion with English Nature with a view to finding a way forward within the Single Pay meat Scheme for traditional grazed orchards (that are important in the biodiversity context) to remain eligible for CAP subsidy.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the EU about a derogation for(a) some and (b) all English orchards allowing them to be included in the Single Farm Scheme. [177785]
§ Alun MichaelOrchards are not eligible land for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme and there is no prospect of a general derogation from this rule for any member state. However, officials remain in discussion with the Commission over the status of traditional grazed orchards.