OP4: Multi species ley

What is OP4?

OP4 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £117 per year for multi species ley.

What do I need to do?

* Establish a multi-species ley in the first year, containing at least 5 grass species, 3 legume species, and 3 herb species.

* Manage with rotational cutting or grazing to ensure flowering species throughout summer.

* Do not allow the grass component to exceed 75% of the seed mix by weight.

What evidence do I need?

Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

Field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices

Stock records to show grazing activity on parcels

* A valid organic certificate and for all the parcels entered into this option at application and on your annual claim – the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will not request this information if you have already supplied it for a Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claim

Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

How much does OP4 pay?

OP4 pays £117 per year.

Which land is eligible?

Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier Whole or part parcel Rotational Only: on land registered as organic or ’in conversion’’ with a Defra-licensed organic control body. if the land has been sown to grass it must be for fewer than 7 years.

SFI OP4: Multi species ley