The Government Respond

My apologies for my tardy response I do have a good excuse as I've started a new job in SWATK country. So I've been away from home and not been able to do this news justice. Well we've got a response from the government and here it is:

"Government guidelines on non-agricultural use of land under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) strike a balance between the need to allow for diversification opportunities with the necessity to abide by the EU rules on eligibility of land under the Scheme.
Much consideration has been given to the positioning of power kiting under category B, which allows the activity to take place for up to 28 days in the calendar year, and we conclude that this is the most appropriate category for this type of activity. Power kiting is analogous to other activities within this category where some preparation of the ground may be required and the parcel is, to some extent, unavailable for agricultural use whilst the activity, and in some cases preparation, is taking place.

However, we will continue to push for greater flexibility concerning non-agricultural activities to be introduced into the EU regulations and will take the opportunity of the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy health check, when the SPS rules as a whole will be reviewed, to pursue this matter. "

They are doggedly sticking to their party line, which unfortunately is a little predictable. The campaign is not over as Jerry Swift of the BKFA is doing amazing work with the CCPR, who are very willing to help us out. There was a meeting week before last and as a result the message is that we need to get some press coverage. So we are looking for a Farmer or farmers who are prepared to go on the record and speak out for our cause, you know they would love to allow us to use their land, we're a responsible bunch and we don't do any damage. I will also continue dialogue with the NFU. So this book is definitely not closed....thanks again for all of your help....and keep your eye on the blog.....Fly Safe!!