Delineation of LFA/ANC land in Scotland – progress December 2015 Willie Towers and David Donnelly

Method of delineation - Recap Define Agricultural area (previously UAA) Revised since 2005 and new area identified Assemble biophysical datasets and apply Commission criteria thresholds to each 0nly to agricultural area If one threshold is met, that area of agricultural land is assigned to ANC If 60% or more of the area of agricultural land in a parish is constrained, whole parish is ANC Various fine-tuning options are available to fine tune the ANC area to achieve a more appropriate outcome.

The EU Criteria Low temperature  Length of growing period  Accumulated temperature Heat Stress Drainage Soil Texture and Stoniness Rooting depth Chemical Properties Soil Moisture Balance Slope All with specific thresholds to be applied consistently across Europe to identify Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) After testing across Europe, additional criteria were introduced; soil pH (<5), modification to stoniness, ‘gleyic’ soil features, Field Capacity Days. Made little difference, other constraints had already taken effect

Two temperature thresholds tested

Fine – tuning: LCA Class 3.1 or above

Fine – tuning: LCA Class 3.2 or above

Fine tuning: 85% of Standard Output

ANC delineation: main points The 1500 day degree option does not identify natural constraint in Scotland well Includes high quality agricultural land 1300 produces a more appropriate delineation We should not expect a direct match with the current LFA boundary LFA did not use parishes LCA as a fine – tuning option is a more blunt instrument than Standard Output? Irrespective of temperature threshold, fine tuning with LCA Class 3.2 or 85% SO produces the same final outcome Maps already for viewing at A0 on the walls.

Other fine –tuning options Fine-tuning is compulsory All indicators which are relevant have to be analysed and applied if they are proven to be relevant. Indicators include: Irrigation Artificial drainage Greenhouses Standard output Average yield of a dominant crop Livestock Density Permanent crops – tree density Normal Land Productivity (LCA) Farming systems and production methods So more work to be done…..

Sub – severe constraints If one constraint meets the EU threshold, then the area is assigned to ANC This approach does not recognise the interaction between the biophysical constraints This can occur at more relaxed (sub-severe) thresholds There are 91 possible combinations of criteria Some have positive synergy Some negative Some unlikely to occur Etc… Most are irrelevant in Scotland but three have been tested

Sub severe constraints in Scotland Less stony soils on less severe slopes An additional 14 parishes brought into ANC at the 1300 day degree temperature Less organic soils on less severe slopes No impact Lower Field Capacity (drier) with less organic soils One additional parish brought into ANC Implementation of sub severe constraints is voluntary More work is required to determine if they produce a more positive outcome.

Next Steps Analyse relevance of other fine-tuning guidance Further analysis of relevance of sub-severe constraints Agricultural assessment of appropriateness of land coming in and out for the different fine-tuning options Consideration of bringing in homogenous areas with similar natural production conditions Preparation of methodology and justification of approach for JRC scrutiny