From Statistics Explained
Permanent grassland and meadow is land used permanently (for several - usually more than five - consecutive years)
- to grow herbaceous forage crops, through cultivation (sown) or naturally (self-seeded);
- not included in the crop rotation scheme on the agricultural holding.
Permanent grassland and meadow can be either used for grazing by livestock, or mowed for hay or silage (stocking in a silo).
Three different types of permanent grassland are identified in the Farm structure survey (FSS):
- permanent grassland and meadow: permanent pasture on good or medium quality soils, which can normally be used for intensive grazing;
- rough grazings: low-yielding permanent grassland, usually on low-quality soil (for example on hilly land and at high altitudes), usually unimproved by fertiliser, cultivation, reseeding or drainage, which can normally be used only for extensive grazing and are normally not mown or are mown in an extensive manner and which cannot support a large density of animals;
- permanent grassland and meadow: areas of permanent grassland and meadows no longer used for production purposes which, in line with Regulation 1782/2003 or, where applicable, the most recent legislation, are maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition and are eligible for financial support.