The public is invited to comment on proposed changes to the Countryside Care Scheme.
 
The scheme supports farmers to become market-focused while helping them to manage the landscape. In 2014/15, it’s anticipated that payments totalling ?6.8 million will be made to more than 350 recipients.
 
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has published proposed changes to the scheme in a consultation that runs until 16th January 2015 – see www.gov.im/consultations.

The document highlights changes DEFA is proposing for 2015/16 and beyond.
 
The recommendations come after the scheme was examined by Tynwald’s Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee at the request of Tynwald.

DEFA is proposing to:

• Cap the maximum payment at ?160,000.
• Redirect money to stimulate innovative agricultural production systems and market-focused initiatives that will add value to produce.
• Introduce an ‘active farmer’ requirement to ensure funds support farming businesses.
•         Extend the life of the scheme for a further five years.

The Department is also seeking views on:

•         Adjusting the minimum area of land required to make a claim.
•         Whether it should seek ways to discourage live animal exports.
•         Reducing all payments by a percentage and using the money to boost payments for the first 126 acres or for specific farm types such as beef calves and hill ewes.
 
DEFA last month gained Tynwald’s approval to grow the value of the food and drink sector by ?50 million by 2025, in line with objectives set down in the Isle of Man Government’s economic growth strategy, Vision 2020.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘The custodians of our land are vital to the success of these plans and it’s essential we continue to support them.

‘The proposed changes to the Countryside Care Scheme will ensure assistance is provided to farmers in a consistent and transparent way while ensuring we encourage those who want to be innovative and entrepreneurial.’

DEFA has written to key stakeholders to invite them to participate in the consultation.

Copies of the consultation document can also be obtained from DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s IM4 3AA.