Paragraph 1

As regards any land which is the subject of an agreement—

• which is suitable for conversion to permanent grassland; and

• which, on 31st August 1992, was in arable cropping or had been in ley management for less than five years—

  1. (1)

     the farmer shall cease arable or ley grassland production and establish a grassland sward within twelve months of the start of the agreement, using grass species approved by the Minister;

  2. (2)

     during a period of twelve months from the start of the agreement, the farmer shall not apply—

     1. (a)

        any organic or inorganic fertiliser;

     2. (b)

        lime, slag or any substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil; or

     3. (c)

        any pesticide,

     without obtaining the Minister’s prior written approval;

  3. (3)

     the farmer shall cut the grassland sward referred to in subparagraph (1) above during each of the first three years following its establishment, remove the cuttings as hay and graze the aftermath with cattle or sheep (or both).He shall not cut the sward before 16th July in any year;

  4. (4)

     In addition to observing the requirements of Schedule 1 paragraph (1) above, from the start of the agreement, after the expiry of the twelve-month period referred to in subparagraph (1) above, the farmer shall observe the provisions of Schedule 2 together with the provisions either of Schedule 3 or of Schedule 4.