NEW proposals to ensure only active farmers can receive direct support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) have been unveiled by the Scottish Government.

Under the plans, farmers would have to keep livestock at an appropriate level linked to the carrying capacity of their land, or demonstrate significant active efforts every year to maintain agricultural land in good condition. The new proposals to tackle so-called slipper farming, which the Scottish Government is confident meets EU and WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules, have been shared with industry groups at a meeting on Wednesday.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The issue of slipper farming is a particular concern in Scotland where we have around a million hectares of wild land where no farming activity whatsoever is taking place but could qualify for new direct payments in 2015 unless action is taken in Europe.

"Clearly, reducing support for inactivity means more funding will be available for productive farmers."

Mr Lochhead was confident that in having more than one criterion for defining active farming, the Scottish Government has found a solution that meets WTO rules. Examples of significant active efforts every year to maintain agricultural land in good condition could include mowing or cutting vegetation to agreed specification. Work to agree with stakeholders an appropriate level of farming activity has been underway for about a year.

"The package we are proposing has received positive feedback from stakeholders and the next step is to take this proposal to Europe at the earliest opportunity to ensure our proposed solution is on a firm legal footing," added Mr Lochhead.

MARKET ROUND-UP

The Cumberland and Dumfries-shire Farmers Mart had 33 prime cattle forward at their weekly sale in Dumfries on Wednesday, when heifers sold to 229.5p per kg and averaged 211.7p, while bullocks peaked at 211.5p and levelled at 203.1p.

There were 39 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring, when beef cows averaged 125.6p and dairy cows levelled at 91.4p.

The firm also sold 621 prime hoggs to a top of £92 per head and 214.6p per kg to average 194.4p (+11.1p on the week).

The 512 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £93.50 for Suffolks and average £63.99 (+£10.89), while light ewes peaked at £60 for Cheviots and levelled at £48.52 (+£6.02).

United Auctions sold 165 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday, to a top of 244.6p and an average of 214.6p (-0.7p).

Meanwhile 269 store bullocks peaked at 314p and levelled at 230.9p (+1p).

Thirteen store, B&W bullocks sold to 204.4p and averaged 147.8p.

In the rough ring, 128 cows averaged 121.5p.