Grass lets are being hit by extra requirements for landlords who want to claim Basic Area Payments.

The rules change means that landowners who do not own the livestock on their land will have to claim they are “undertaking alternative practices” to ensure they qualify for support.

To be eligible for payment, land owners need to control weeds and maintain access for livestock and/or farm machinery.

Furthermore, where applicable, landlords renting out region-one permanent grassland need to maintain existing stock-proof boundaries and water sources for livestock. Region-two and -three landlords need to carry out an environmental assessment.

The Scottish Government states that photographs may be required to prove that minimum activity for claims under the alternative practices definition are being undertaken.

Failure to supply evidence to verify that at least the minimum activity requirements are being met will result in the land being deemed ineligible for the Basic Payment Scheme.

Dr Gerald Banks, consultant at Davidson and Robertson, said: “Vast numbers of claims on permanent grass fields are by people with no livestock. Agents are having to justify thousands of fields to qualify for payments. This year they are asking for more evidence with the IACS forms.

“No longer is it acceptable for applicants to simply use the declaration at the end of the form to state they are keeping the land in good agricultural condition, etc.

“Now claimants need to claim under alternative practices. This will affect a number of arable farmers who have bits of PGRS round the farm,” he said.

“It’s not easy moving entitlement. If the movement of entitlements were freer, then the renter could more easily claim the entitlements.”

Farmers Journal Scotland understands that the recent changes were to ensure EU rules on activity were being applied properly in Scotland, particularly on permanent grassland, for claimants taking support without owning their own livestock.