Paragraph 2 The Green Cover OptionI1

Scotland Not yet in force

(1)

In respect of each field or part of a field to be managed in accordance with the Green Cover Option, a farmer shall–

(a)

subject to sub-paragraph (2) and paragraph 6, establish a green cover by the start of the current set-aside period by sowing–

(i)

grass seed;

(ii)

a mixture of grass seed and the seed of native broad-leaved plants not commonly used for agricultural production (which mixture shall not contain more than 50 per cent by weight of legumes);

(iii)

mustard seed; or

(iv)

phacelia seed;

(b)

subject to paragraphs 7, 11 and 12, maintain the green cover thereafter until the end of the relevant period; and

(c)

cut or destroy the green cover in accordance with paragraph 5.

(2)

The requirement to establish a green cover in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) shall not apply where–

(a)

in 2005–

(i)

the field or part of a field was set aside in 2004 pursuant to Article 6 of Council Regulation 1251/1999;

(ii)

the field or part of a field was managed during that year in accordance with the grassland option set out in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Arable Area Payments Regulations 1996; and

(iii)

the green cover established in accordance with the requirements of that option has been maintained until the beginning of the current scheme year; and

(b)

in 2006 and thereafter–

(i)

the field or part of a field was set aside in the previous year;

(ii)

the field or part of a field was managed during that year in accordance with the sown green cover option; and

(iii)

the green cover established in accordance with the requirements of that option has been maintained until the beginning of the current scheme year.

Annotations

Commencement

I1: Sch. 1 para. 2 in force at 18.4.2005, see reg. 1(1)