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Agricultural quotas are operated through IACS, the Integrated Administration and Control System. The schemes currently include Arable Area Payments Scheme (AAP), the Beef Special Premium Scheme (BSPS), the Sucker Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS), the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) and the Sheep Annual Premium Scheme (SAPS). Outwith IACS there is also the milk quota. |
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The rational behind the quota system is that from inception each producer dependent on his or her production at the relevant time is entitled to so many units of quota whether it be litres of milk quota, units of sucker cow quota or sheep quota.
Since inception of the quota system there has been the ability to purchase or sell quotas and a limited scheme of acquiring further sheep and sucker cow quota from the National Reserve. The rules are complicated and constantly changing but loss of quota carries with it loss of income which would affect the economic viability of farms particularly in current straitened circumstances.
For more information contact Jim Drysdale |
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