Hazzard welcomes decision to retain 3-hectare minimum farm size
Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed the decision by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to retain three hectares as the minimum claim size for the Farm Sustainability Payment.
The South Down MP said: “The decision to retain the 3-hectare minimum claim size will come as a relief to the 1491 small farms who would not have been eligible for the new payment.
“It would have put many of our small farms in South Down out of business with serious consequences for these farmers, their families and our local economy.
“Local farms are essential for rural sustainability and the future of local schools, sports clubs and services.
“In most cases, the only option to secure planning permission in rural areas is access to an active farm business number.
“If these farms went out of business, it would have a severe knock-on impact on young families wanting to set up home in the country.
“I welcome the fact that the minister has listened and has made the correct decision to help protect these small farms.”
