11th December 2008 http://www.scotlink.org/files/policy/ConsultationResponses/LINKatfConsultLFASSdec08.pdf
LINK believes that the current LFASS interim is not effective in securing additional public benefits from land management and is in need of urgent reform. The current scheme neither rewards land managers for the production of public goods nor truly recompenses for disadvantage.
In the longer term, LINK believes that a payment targeted to retaining HNV farming systems is justified. This could differ from traditional agri-environment payments in that a change in practice would often not be required in order to receive support but the continuation of land management that benefits the environment.