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The office received 638 appeals last year, an increase of 6.7% on 2016, according to its annual report released this Tuesday.
Among the appeals closed last year, the farmer was successful in 37% of cases, which were allowed, partially allowed or revised by the Department. This is down from 41% in the previous two years.
By contrast, 52% of appeals were disallowed, marking an increase in the proportion of unsuccessful farmers compared with the 44.5% to 45% observed in 2015 and 2016.
National Reserve
The office explains these changes by a shift in legislation applicable from January 2017, which directs farmers unhappy with decisions on their National Reserve of Scottish Derogation applications to the Agriculture Appeals Office. This was not the case previously.
"The scheme with the highest number of disallowed appeals was the Basic Payment Scheme National Reserve accounting for 14.63% of all disallowed appeals and 22% of all appeals disallowed that were received in 2017 and closed in 2017," the report states. Issues raised by young farmers related to specific income, age or educational requirements.
BDGP most appealed
When considering the overall number of appeals lodged last year, the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) became the most appealed scheme with 110 cases, with most complaints regarding BVD requirements and the registration of animals.
Next was GLAS with 78 appeals, ranging across various actions under the scheme.
In both 2016 and 2017, the office saw a doubling of the number of farmers unhappy with the outcome of their appeal and seeking a review by the director of the Agriculture Appeals Office, creating an increasing backlog.
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