Setaside Update 2001

Setaside Summary of Critical Dates

Land which can be used for Setaside

• All eligible land including land to which eligibility has been transferred may be setaside in 2001. This means that permanent grassland can be setaside provided it is eligible.
• Land to be setaside must cover an area of at least 0.3 contiguous hectares and have a width of at least 20 metres. Smaller areas will be considered if they involve whole fields with permanent boundaries such as walls, hedges or watercourses or parcels at least 10 metres wide alongside permanent watercourses or lakes and subject to special controls aiming in particular to ensure compliance with environmental objectives.
• During the 'core' setaside period from 15^th January 2001 to 31^st August 2001 it is forbidden to use land in setaside for any type of agricultural production or for any other lucrative use, except where contracts exist for the production of non-food crops. Failure to comply in this regard may render a producer ineligible for all benefits under the support system.
• There is a special derogation allowing the grazing of setaside with claimant's own animals up to 30 April, 2001because of restrictions on movement of animals due to the threat of Foot and Mouth disease.
• Where eligible land is planted with trees under the afforestation measures covered by Regulation (EEC) No. 2080/92, and provided that an application to participate in these measures was made on or after 22 June 1995, the land is question may be counted towards the obligatory setaside (but not voluntary setaside). In that case the afforestation premium will be paid and not the setaside payment.
• Setaside land (non-food use) may be used for the provision of materials for the manufacture of products within the European Union not primarily intended for human or animal consumption. These crops may only be grown if destined for a permitted end-use. A list of the permitted annual and perennial crops and the permitted end-uses is available from the Department's Area Aid Unit and from Teagasc.

The setaside period is 15^th January 2001 to 14^th January 2002.

Calculation of Minimum Setaside Area

A producer can calculate the minimum area to be setaside in different ways as follows:

1. In the case of setaside if the total area (sown and setaside) to be entered in the scheme is known

2. Total Area x 10/100 = Setaside Area

3. If the area on which a producer wishes to grown eligible crops and claim area payments is known

4. Sown Area x 10/90 = Setaside Area

5. If the area available for setaside is known and the producer wishes to know the sown area for which payment can be claimed

6. Setaside Area x 90/10 = Eligible Sown Area

Management of Setaside Land

The green cover should be retained until least 15^th April 2001.

16^thApril 2001 to 31^st August 2001

1. Ploughing of setaside land is not permitted during this period except for the following purposes:
2. 1. From 16^th April to establish a green cover (including land which has been used for late harvested root crops) or
   2. From 16^th July to prepare land for sowing of crops for harvesting not earlier than 15^th May 2002.
3. Green cover must be cut at least once during the period 16^th July to 15^th August 2001 to leave a covering of 10cm or less. The cuttings must be left on the land and turning or baling of the cuttings is not permitted.
4. Grass cover established on setaside land and treated with herbicides to reduce herbage production must have the treated herbage, including any regrowth, topped and managed in accordance with the conditions specified in relation to green cover as above.
5. If it is necessary to cut the green cover in the period 16^th April to 15^th July in order to control weeds (such as thistle, dock, ragwort or wild oats), or to maintain an acceptable visual appearance, it must be cut at a height of not less than 20cm. The cuttings must be left on the land and turning or baling of the cuttings is not permitted.
6. Cutting should always be effected in such a way as to allow an escape route for wildlife.
7. Where a green cover has been established, the control of weeds is allowed from 16^th April, either by shallow cultivation or by use of non-residual or short duration residual herbicides as appropriate, including paraquat/diquat and glyphosate (with label clearance for use on setaside land).
8. Where there is an existing green cover, the application of fertiliser (organic or inorganic) and lime is allowed between 16^th April and 31^st October at levels which will not present an environmental hazard.

1^st September 2001 to 14^th January 2002

Farmers are permitted to use the green cover on their setaside land to feed their own animals either by grazing or as hay or silage.

Farmers may seek by means of a written application the permission of the Department to follow their own management plans outside these options on environmental or conservation grounds.

Opportunity for Establishment of Grass and Clover Sward

From 16 April, 2001, setaside can be ploughed and reseeded. Lime, fertiliser/slurry can be applied as required.

Sowing late April/early May will establish excellent swards of grass with a very satisfactory clover content when standard seed mixtures are used. Weed control with appropriate undersown products is allowed. Topping to 10cm (4 inches) is essential from 16 July, 2001 to 15 August, 2001.

From the 1^st September this massive clover and ryegrass sward can be utilised. This is one of the best uses of setaside.

Multi-Annual Setaside

Consideration will be given to farmers who undertake to set aside the same parcels for a period up to five marketing years.