Horticultural Authorisations changes 2011
2011 Q&A Horticultural Authorisations
From 2008, horticultural authorisations have been removed from my SFP entitlements. What does this mean for me?
This means that, from 2008, land used to grow fruit, vegetables and potatoes is eligible to claim SFP on the same basis as any other eligible land use. This includes land used for top fruit orchards, such as apples and pears, or used for hardy nursery stock production.
Will I lose my horticultural authorisation entitlements?
No. The value and type of entitlement remains unchanged, they will simply lose their authorised status as this will no longer be required if you wish to claim SPS using land under fruit, vegetable and potatoes.
I already use my traditional orchard to claim under the SPS. Can I continue to do this?
Yes, land used to grow traditional orchards can continue to be used in support of an SPS claim.
I want to claim SFP for an orchard, but there is a path/lane running the length of the orchard. Should I include this path/laneway on my Single Application as eligible land?
No, any land which is of non-agricultural use is ineligible for SFP and should be deducted from your total field area when completing your Single Application.
If you have incorrectly included this land on your Single Application, you will need to notify Single Farm Payment Branch in Orchard House immediately. You should notify the changes using Form SAF 3, if you do not, you may be penalised for over-declaration.
Form SAF 3 was enclosed with your Single Application pack, but you can also get a copy of this from our web-site or by phoning Orchard House.
You will also need to correct your farm map using form GIS 2 which was also included in your SFP application pack. You can also get a copy of GIS 2 from your local DARD office.
What is hardy nursery stock?
These are defined as areas of young woody plants grown in the open air for subsequent transplantation:
(a) vine and root-stock nurseries;
(b) fruit tree (orchard) nurseries;
(c) ornamental nurseries;
(d) nurseries of forest trees (excluding those for the holding's own requirements grown within woodland); Commercial forest-tree nurseries, whether in woodland or outside, are included in the definition, as are non-commercial forest-tree nurseries for the holding's own requirements grown outside woodland.
(e) trees and bushes for planting in gardens, parks, at the roadside and on embankments, e.g. hedgerow plants, rose trees and other ornamental bushes, ornamental conifers, including in all cases their stocks and young seedlings.
For further information on Eligible Land for the purpose of activating entitlements under SFP, you should read the booklet "Guide to Land Eligibility".
