Crofting support

Present policies are failing crofting according to a new report.

The current agricultural support mechanisms are designed for large scale farming and should be adapted to take account of the value of small producers, says the research published by the Crofting Commission.

Gwyn Jones - a director on the European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism - was commissioned to prepare the report.

Mr Jones highlights the handicaps for the smaller-scale producer within the existing support system and the lack of incentives to operate.

The number of active crofters is reducing over time - which suggests crofting policy and legislation are not working.

Gwyn Jones does not advocate introducing specific croft support measures but highlights that crofting has to be more appropriately considered in revised supports structures.

Current measures can be adjusted and new support mechanisms could provide greater consideration of the smaller-scale producer, he says.

In particular, he advises that any new policy should provide minimum payments to reward activity and should also make it less complex to claim for small amounts of support and grants.

Measures should be designed to encourage keeping small cattle herds, use of the common grazings and growing crops.

Crofting Commission convener, Rod MacKenzie, said: “The prospect of Brexit has triggered a debate on the future of the support systems for crofting and farming, a vital issue which will affect crofters and crofting businesses for years to come.

“The issues raised by Gwyn Jones are extremely important, and we hope that everyone involved in the debate will consider them carefully.

Crofting policies not working effectively, highlights new report

2 August 2018