McArthur highlights impact of changes to EFA criteria on island farmers  

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has today highlighted the impact of changes to Ecological Focus Area criteria on island farmers.  

Mr McArthur spoke during a brief debate in the Scottish Parliament on a Scottish Statutory Instrument which increases the number of farming businesses required to undertake EFA activities, increases the area of land managed as EFA and widens the options available under the programme.  

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:  

“Island farmers accept the value of EFA activities, both in terms of greening objectives, but also for the benefits to productivity that they can bring.

“Given the high take up already of agri-environment schemes in Orkney, however, there are concerns that farmers may be asked to duplicate work already being undertaken through existing schemes.  

“Farmers are also concerned about plans to ramp up the scope of obligations in future, and the extension of EFA provisions to areas of permanent grassland. This will create disproportionate burdens for many smaller island farms.

“I urge the Scottish Government to recognise the impact that these changes will have on the sector in island communities and consider a more tailored approach.”