As part of the review process of the Single Farm Payment the old chestnuts of ‘capping’ and ‘working farmers’ have not unsurprisingly resurfaced. Whilst ‘capping’ is a simple limit based on acreage, care should perhaps be exercised not to do anything that might impinge or affect the ‘working farmer’ definition – whatever that might be! Hence please take advice before perhaps entering into a share farm agreement, a grazing agreement or a FBT.
Since writing I have received a copy letter from the CLA president (11.8.2011) making representation against the imposition of capping. It now appears the debate is heading in that direction.