Possible Breakthrough on Heather Grazing

14th June 2012

Highlands & Islands Labour MSP, Rhoda Grant, and Catherine Stihler MEP have welcomed the news of a possible breakthrough on the matter of subsidy payments for heather grazed animals. Present EU proposals would mean that only animals fed on grass and other herbaceous plants are eligible for EU subsidies however many sheep in the Highlands & Islands are heather grazed.

Rhoda Grant said "The issue was raised with me by many constituents who felt it unfair that crofters in the Highlands & Islands were being unfairly penalised as the topography of the region includes a lot of heather on which many sheep graze, indeed the area is famous for its heather fed livestock.

Mrs Grant continued "I contacted my colleague, Catherine Stihler MEP, who raised the matter with the European Commission."

Catherine Stihler said "I am pleased to be advised by the Commission that there is a proposal to alter the criteria to "permanent grassland" which may include other species suitable for grazing, such as heather.

Mrs Stihler continued "I know EU crofting subsidies are much needed in Scotland and am pleased that change is being proposed which will be hugely beneficial to our crofting communities."