§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the position will be under the mid-term review of the Common Agricultural Policy of orchards which are returned to general agriculture. [177787]
§ Alun MichaelEntitlements to subsidy under the new Single Payment Scheme will be established in 2005 on the basis of eligible land declared in that year. The 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 grazed orchards is being explored with the European Commission.
A grower who decided that he wished to return land to general agriculture would need to do so before the beginning of the 10-month qualifying period in order to be eligible for the Single Payment. This period can start on any day from 1 October this year to 30 April next at the grower's discretion.
1469WClaims to establish new entitlements in subsequent years will not generally be permitted. However, use of the national reserve to accommodate new entrants is one of the possibilities being considered in our current consultation exercise.