In recent years, over 1,000 farmers per year have been fined for land eligibility issues. This could be for a number of reasons, such as scrub encroachment, rushes taking over in grazing ground or areas of hill land and commonages.

In order to draw down payment through the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), the land must be used for agricultural activity and maintained in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation.

Three big issues when it comes to eligibility are rushes, heather and ferns. Just because land has been eligible in previous years does not mean that this is still the case and land may need attention.

Rushes

Rushes will be ineligible where they are not being accessed by grazing animals, which has led them to growing tall. Where rushes have become very dense and are not being accessed by animals, they will also be ineligible.

In the case of rushes where they have developed and become dominant in a parcel, a percentage reduction can be applied to that area. Parcels that contain young rushes that have been controlled through grazing or mowing/topping are deemed eligible.

Where rushes are increasing in density but there is still evidence of grazing by animals, the parcel will be eligible. However, ongoing management is required to avoid the land becoming ineligible.

Heather

For heather to be eligible, it must be low immature heather that is edible for sheep in particular and some cattle. Where appropriate grazing is not taking place, the chances are that the heather has developed into tall woody heather, which is no longer being accessed by animals and is therefore ineligible. This may apply to a whole parcel or part of a parcel, but, either way, appropriate deductions must be made.

Ferns

Ferns or bracken are inedible to farm livestock. For land with ferns to be eligible for payment, it must have grass underneath that can be grazed. Where there is no grass underneath, it is not eligible and must be deducted accordingly.