There still appears to be little clarity as to whether Scotland will be able to use a higher level of coupled support for its livestock farmers.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead had hoped that a meeting in Brussels yesterday with Defra Farm Minister George Eustice would clear the air, but the hope seems to have been forlorn.
Mr Lochhead said: “I was pleased to be able to meet the minister to press home the need for urgent confirmation that Scotland has the option of using up to 13% of the Scottish budget for coupled payments to support our livestock sectors.
“This is about tying in support payments to activity and production, and is all about how we use our own budget, so will not cost the rest of the UK a penny.
“The UK Government now want to have written confirmation from the Commission, over and above the verbal green light we have already received, confirming it’s up to the member state how it uses its flexibility and as long as the member state’s 8% limit is not breached then the UK’s internal arrangements are not a problem.
“Given that we are about to make decisions about CAP implementation in Scotland, we need this issue settled as a matter of urgency.
“I fear that if the UK keep going back to the Commission asking for past assurances to be repeated, then understandably we will lose its goodwill and cooperation.
“We already have a verbal agreement which George Eustice and I personally received and I am keen that the UK Government give us a steer on figures while they now seek their written confirmation.
“Scotland’s farmers need clarity and for the UK to stop sending us round in circles,” added Mr Lochhead.
A Defra spokesperson said: “Both the UK and Scottish Government are waiting for written technical clarification from the European Commission on the application of voluntary coupled support in the UK where CAP implementation is regionalised.
“There are potentially large financial risks if we act without this clarity from the Commission so it is prudent to wait for their reply.”