§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on payments for orchards under Common Agricultural Policy reform, with particular reference to the eligibility for payments of different types of orchards. [178200]
§ Alun MichaelUnder the CAP reform agreement reached last year, the new Single Payment will not normally be payable on land under permanent crops, including orchard fruit. This rule applies throughout the European Community. The scope of a possible exception for traditional grazed orchards, in line with current provisions, is being explored with the European Commission.
Entitlements to subsidy under the new scheme will be established in 2005 on the basis of eligible land declared in that year, which includes having the land at his disposal for at least a 10 month period. The start of this period may be any date from 1 October this year to 30 April next, at the grower's discretion.