Countryside Stewardship Agreements and Single Farm Payment Scheme

HL Deb 17 November 2004 vol 666 cc179-80WA

Lord Willoughby de Broke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How holders of current Countryside Stewardship agreements will be affected by the introduction of the single farm payment scheme in 2005; and whether such agreements will remain effective to the end of their term. [HL4876]

Lord Whitty

Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement holders who have reduced production as a result of their joining the scheme were entitled to claim under the single payment scheme (SPS) hardship provisions, where this has affected their entitlement based on the SPS reference period.

From next year, stewardship options which involve reduced stocking rates or reduced cropped area will no longer lead to a reduction of subsidy payments. We will therefore be reviewing calculation of the income forgone elements of Stewardship payment rates to remove any payment for loss of subsidy, to avoid double funding.

The introduction of the single payment scheme will not affect the validity, or length of term, of any stewardship agreement.