The Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024
Introduction
On November 14, 2024, the United Kingdom government published the Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024. These regulations amend the Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Scotland) Regulations 2021, which were put in place to provide continuity of support for rural development in Scotland following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.
Key Provisions
The main changes introduced by the 2024 Regulations are as follows:
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Extending the transition period: The regulations extend the transition period from December 31, 2023, to December 31, 2025. This gives farmers and land managers more time to adjust to the new post-EU agricultural support system.
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Simplifying the application process: The regulations simplify the application process for the Rural Development Programme (RDP). This includes reducing the number of questions on the application form and allowing farmers to submit their applications online or by post.
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Increasing funding for certain schemes: The regulations increase funding for the following schemes:
- Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS)
- Organic Farming Scheme (OFS)
- Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme (CAGS)
- Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS)
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Introducing new schemes: The regulations introduce two new schemes:
- Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
- Woodland Carbon Guarantee Scheme (WCGS)
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Amending eligibility criteria: The regulations amend the eligibility criteria for some schemes. For example, the minimum land area requirement for AECS has been reduced from 3 hectares to 1 hectare.
Impact
The Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 are expected to have a positive impact on rural development in Scotland. The extended transition period will provide farmers and land managers with more time to adapt to the new agricultural support system. The simplified application process and increased funding for certain schemes will make it easier for farmers to access support. The introduction of new schemes will encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices and manage their woodland for carbon sequestration.
Conclusion
The Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024 are a significant step in ensuring the continued support of rural development in Scotland. The changes introduced by the regulations will make it easier for farmers and land managers to access support and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
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