Thousands of hill farmers and crofters in Scotland’s most fragile and remote areas are to receive their share of “vital support payments” by the end of this week.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead confirmed payments from the Scottish Government’s Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) 2013 should start to reach farmers’ bank accounts as early as Monday of this week.
The Scottish Government has authorised payment of 10,400 claims, worth some £58 million.
That, according to Holyrood, equates to around 92% of potentially eligible claimants for the scheme, which is worth £65.5m in total.
Mr Lochhead said: “The vast majority of agricultural land in Scotland is at a natural disadvantage, which means our farmers and crofters are working in some of the most challenging conditions in Europe.
“Payments from the Scottish Government’s LFASS are, therefore, absolutely vital for Scottish food production and rural communities.”
Welcoming the news, NFU Scotland dubbed the support payments a “lifeline support” for those farming in Scotland’s Less Favoured Areas.
The union said the payments provide “critical” financial aid to hill and upland livestock farmers and crofters, allowing them to continue grazing cattle and sheep in areas of Scotland that are naturally challenging.
The news that payment has now been authorised to approximately 92% of those claiming under LFASS, is also, it said, a welcome boost not only for those farmers and crofters receiving the payments, but also for Scotland’s rural economy as a whole.
Jonnie Hall, NFU Scotland’s director of policy, said: “The delivery of this support is a welcome boost to cash flows for farmers and crofters, as we emerge from winter,” said.
“This year’s payment run will see a larger number of LFASS claimants receive their funds in the first week compared to this time last year.
“And we look to the Scottish Government to deliver on its promise to complete the remaining payments as soon as possible.”
Mr Hall said LFASS is an important source of funding for those farmers who are at the heart Scotland’s crucial livestock sector.
“With CAP reform discussions working towards a conclusion and a new rural development plan for Scotland in the throes of being created, we need to ensure the many benefits that LFASS delivers in terms of activity, livestock production and the environment are at the core of any new scheme,” he said.
“Year in, year out LFASS has proved its worth and we welcome the clear commitment that the scheme will continue to roll over until such times as the terms of a new Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) are agreed.
“That commitment provides an anchor of support to the majority of Scottish farm businesses at a time when the delivery of direct support through Pillar One of the CAP has yet to be decided.
“The shift to an area-based Single Farm Payment in the future will bring a period of flux and transition during which time a stable LFASS will be hugely welcome.”
Mr Lochhead said Scottish Government officials will continue to work hard to ensure remaining payments are made as quickly as possible.