SEA response to Scottish rural consultation

The Scottish Equestrian Association (SEA), and the 24 equestrian industry organisations which SEA represents (including the Scottish National Equestrian Centre at Oatridge College), wishes to submit the following response to the consultation on the Rural Development Programme for Scotland 2007 – 2013.

• A key omission from the Rural Development Programme for Scotland (RDPS) is the failure to recognise the importance of the equine industry to the rural community and economy as a ‘quasi-agricultural’ or ‘rural landbased’ activity. In England & Wales the dynamic role played by equestrianism in regenerating rural communities and the countryside is reflected in the support DEFRA has given to the “Strategy for the Horse Industry in England & Wales”. At this time SEERAD has proposed no equivalent strategy for Scotland, despite the industry’s estimated contribution to the Scottish economy of some £300m. This does not include the horseracing industry, which itself contributes another £200m and employs almost 4,000 people. Approximately 250,000 people participate in equestrian sport and related activities each week, with over 3,000 competing in competitions and events every weekend. Official figures suggest there are around 22,000 ‘registered’ horses in Scotland however it is widely accepted that the true figure is nearer 100,000. Many farmers have equine business interests, but whether farm-based or not it is self-evident that through tourism, sport, leisure and recreation, equestrian businesses are a very significant player on the rural scene. The numerous ancillary and supply businesses which service the equine industry (vets, farriers, saddlers etc), together with the impact on local tourism and hospitality businesses, result in a significant multiplier effect in local economies arising from equestrian activities.

• The current consultation proposes to use the Least Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS), Land Management Contracts (LMC) and LEADER programme as foundation pillars of the RDPS. However under LFASS it is stated that :-  “We propose to introduce safeguards to ensure that payments are only made to those who  are actively farming the land, but, if possible, defining eligible activity without being over prescriptive about how the land is being farmed. Farming activity in LFAsis mainly associated with extensive grazing of cattle and sheep.” 

Although the RDPS clearly cannot make explicit reference to the needs of every individual rural sector, we believe that the scale of the contribution made by equestrian activities warrants specific recognition alongside crofting, forestry, livestock farming and so on. It is crucial that the content and focus of the RDPS reflects the make-up of the countryside, and the diversity of Scottish agriculture in its widest sense, if the stated objective of “promoting a more diverse rural economy and thriving rural communities”  is to be achieved. In this respect a shift away from traditional definitions of ‘agricultural activity’ within the Programme would be most welcome. A recognition of the equine industry within the definition of an ‘agricultural-type’ activity (or similar description) would help to underline the value of the industry not only to farm incomes and rural community development but to the Scottish economy as a whole. The LEADER programme may also offer opportunities for equestrianism in terms of encouraging “new business activities” but perhaps not to the same extent as Tier 3 of the LMCs.

• It is encouraging that the Land Management Contract Tier 2 and Tier 3 (which is still under development) includes aims which specify “support to a broader range of landbased activities, including the farmed environment and forestry, and to support other sustainable activities in rural communities”. We would therefore support actions to ensure that both farming enterprises (which hold an IACS number) and equestrian businesses/individuals which do not have an IACS number will be eligible to apply for funding support to deliver equine developments under these measures. There is a concern however that there may be inadequate funding provision under Tier 3 to cope with the likely demand for development funding from all sectors. The stated ‘guiding principles’ of the LMCs include a focus on ensuring “strong rural businesses and communities” and the need for LMCs to “be available to a wide range of rural businesses”. Equine businesses are as much ‘managers of the land’ as farmers or those who manage sporting estates.  

• The composition of the proposed Regional Project Assessment Committees (RPACs), which will decide which applications should receive funding under Tier 3, must also be sufficiently representative so as not to risk bias towards ‘agricultural’ project applications as opposed to wider ‘rural/landbased’ development proposals, which could encompass many activities not relating to primary agriculture. Through SEERAD’s Farm Business Development Scheme (FBDS) and Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS), to date over £1.4m has been contributed in grant assistance to equine business development projects across Scotland. However in terms of business development potential, this is likely to be merely the ‘tip of the iceberg’. There could be substantial growth in equestrian activity in rural Scotland if the equine sector is given the recognition it deserves within the Programme, and if access to RDPS funding streams is thereby fully enabled. The return on this investment, in terms of impact on growth and development of rural communities, would be considerable.

The basis for the RDPS, the EU Rural Development Regulation, cites “improving competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector” (Axis 1) and “improving quality of life through diversification of economic activity” (Axis 3) as main drivers of activity and funding. The equestrian industry, in all its various forms, is ideally placed to exploit the opportunities presented by the Programme and provides a valuable contribution towards RDPS objectives under Axis 1 and 3. However this needs to be formally recognised by the Scottish Executive before progress can be made. The consultation document also places emphasis on “flexibility in the design and delivery of schemes” and the need to “respond to local and regional needs and priorities”, and we therefore recommend that the importance of equestrianism to rural development in Scotland be taken fully into account during the design and subsequent implementation of the Programme.

For further information contact: Muriel Colquhoun MBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Equestrian Association, Grange Cottage, Station Road, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6YB. Tel:  01475 540687; e-mail: patsypup@aol.com

June 22nd, 2006