Countries can now use extra information to fine-tune eligibility for an Area of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, according to the European Commission.

Scotland has so far resisted implementing an ANC scheme and retained the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme. However, depending on the nature of any UK/EU transition deal or trade arrangement, Scotland may be forced to continue to comply with EU rules, which forces countries to end schemes like LFASS with the option to implement ANC.

The Brussels meeting explained that countries can go beyond using just criteria on climate, soil and terrain when drawing up areas eligible for ANC and use “fine-tuning” if they have enough data to show farm handicaps. In all, 41 countries or regions are currently in the process of re-designating eligible areas, out of 109 operating the scheme. Some 26 have now completed the process.

One of the biophysical criteria, excess soil moisture, in combination of other criteria, could be very relevant to Scotland. Officials may have the ability to also bring zones back into the scheme on the basis of lower crop or grass yields, or the prevalence of less intensive farming systems, such as grazing.