Robert Molloy
Question:33 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has for non-rotational set-aside; and if such proposals have been adopted by the European Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions Written Answers. - Non-Rotational Set-Aside.
In May 1993 the Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed to fix the level of non-rotational set-aside to apply to sowings for the 1994 harvest at 20 per cent, that is 5 per cent above the current level for rotational set-aside.
The initiation of proposals for EC rules is a matter for the EC Commission. The Commission recently submitted a number of proposals to the Council of Agriculture Ministers dealing with certain aspects of set-aside policy. These proposals include an increase in the payment rate for set-aside; options for farmers to set-aside above the obligatory minimum and for a mixture of rotational and non-rotational set-aside on the same holding; the possibility of three year rotational set-aside and the use of set-aside land to grow certain products but without set-aside compensation.
These proposals are the subject of ongoing discussion at Council.