HL Deb 17 December 2001 vol 630 cc18-9WA
Earl Peel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the rates of payment made under Countryside Stewardship for (a) the 2 metre arable grass margin scheme and (b) the arable reversion scheme are sufficient to recompense farmers for the losses incurred by entering these schemes. [HL 1910]

Lord Whitty

Countryside Stewardship payment rates are reviewed regularly. In line with EU rules, the rates reflect any income lost in undertaking stewardship options, plus any additional costs incurred, such as specialised management or extra capital works, and a small incentive element of up to 20 per cent. Agreement holders should therefore be no worse off than their counterparts who are outside the scheme. The continuing demand for the scheme, with nearly 3,000 applications this year, indicates that the current level of payments is generally acceptable.