SIR, Not wishing to rant, I did that yesterday, I am perplexed as to how these changes are going to benefit me.
I have a 4ha croft with a 2.6ha hill apportionment. My croft sells lambs worth about £1800. I sell hay worth about £400. I get about £870 BPS and £375 in LFASS.
My croft runs at a loss every year.
SAC tell me a carbon audit will cost about £1000 and a biodiversity audit could cost a similar amount. Soil analysis is supported but are the costs fully met?
I am a member of QMS – another £50/year in costs but I do have an Animal Health plan to show for it.
And what is an integrated pest management plan?
Is the government trying to weed out little people like me? Answers on a postcard please. I suspect I am not alone.
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