BPS Greening Changes

Following an announcement by RPA recently about proposed changes to BPS Greening Rules, we have recently received further clarification from DEFRA and the RPA, as detailed below. Please note this is the current position and may still be subject to change.

Whilst there are a number of changes to the ‘greening’ rules as a result of the European Commission’s ‘simplification’ measures (please see the GOV.UK link about for the list of changes), the key ones are:-

• The ban on the application of plant protection products (PPPs) on nitrogen-fixing crops, fallow, and catch or cover crops declared as Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs)
• The inclusion of ‘trees in line’ under the EFA hedges option in England
• The introduction of field margins as an EFA option in England
• An extension to the EFA catch crop period in England from 4 weeks to a minimum of 8 weeks.

There is also some ambiguity around a potential ban on grazing or mowing land declared as EFA fallow after the EFA fallow period ends until the end of the relevant calendar year.

These changes will have a particular impact on farmers who have historically used Peas and Beans to count toward their EFA. These claimants will need to look at other EFA options to ensure they keep to the minimum 5% equivalent EFA area.

Brooks Leney have been undertaking detailed reviews of EFA calculations for clients. If you would like to discuss how these changes affect the EFA options on your farm, please give one of the team a call.