The Organic Aid (Scotland) Regulations 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations apply to Scotland and make provision for the payment of aid to farmers who undertake to introduce organic farming methods, pursuant to Article 2(1)(a) of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2078/92 (O.J. No. L 215, 30.7.92, p.85).

The Regulations–

(a) enable the Secretary of State to make payments of aid to applicants satisfying the conditions of, and applying in accordance with the regulations (regulation 3);

(b) specify the conditions of eligibility to be satisfied by applicants for aid (regulation 4);

(c) set out the undertakings to be given by applicants for aid (regulation 5);

(d) specify the conditions for the participation of crofters common grazings committees (regulation 6);

(e) specify the requirements in relation to applications for aid and the documents to accompany such applications (regulation 7);

(f) specify restrictions on the acceptance of applications by the Secretary of State (regulation 8);

(g) make provision for payment of aid to a new occupant where there has been a change in the occupation of a farm or part due to the death of a beneficiary or otherwise (regulation 9);

(h) specify the period and method of payment of aid (regulation 10);

(i) confer on authorised persons powers of entry for the purposes of the Regulations and require that reasonable assistance be given to them for the exercise of these powers (regulation 11);

(j) specify circumstances when the Secretary of State may withhold aid or recover payments already made (regulation 12); and

(k) create offences and prescribe penalties (regulation 13).

Copies of the United Kingdom Organic Farming Standards referred to in the Regulations may be obtained from the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (the body responsible for administering EC Organic Farming Standards under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91) at Room 305, West Block, Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2HH.