What Is Set Aside Farming?
During the latter part of the 1980s, the European Union initiated set-aside farming, a measure whereby a portion of the land on each farm within the jurisdiction of the Union would not grow crops. This was done in response to large food surpluses in Europe, the costly storage and transportation of which was paid for with government subsidies. Farmers who participate in set-aside farming would receive a stipend from the government in exchange for keeping the land unused that season.
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Prerequisite
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Farmers who produce at least 92 tons of crops per year are required to participate in the set-aside program. The government can require up to 10% of arable land remain unused.
Maintenance
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Land that is not being used must be planted with a cover crop such as grass to prevent damage from weeds and the leaching of water and nitrogen.
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Exceptions
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Industrial crops, defined as crops used in production rather than consumption, may be planted as a cover crop. However, farmers are financially penalized for planting these crops.
Location
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Initially, set-aside land had to change location each year. The law changed in the year 2000, making it legal for farmers to create permanent plots of set-aside land.
Environment
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Set-aside land has been used for environmental efforts, including the creation of woodland to serve as a habitat for wildlife.
Restrictions
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The use of fertilizer is not permitted on set-aside land. The use of pesticides must follow guidelines laid out by the government.
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