The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Only one day left to apply for beef support scheme
Beef farmers have only a day left in which to apply for the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) ahead of the deadline on December 31.
The scheme, which gives direct support to specialist beef producers, has an annual budget of €38 million for beef calves born on the Scottish mainland and €6.6m for claims from the Scottish islands.
Support is available on male and female calves providing they are at least 75% beef-bred and calves must have been born on a Scottish holding and kept there for 30 days.
It means animals born on or after December 2 2017 are not eligible until the next scheme year. The rate paid per animal is determined each scheme year by the number of eligible animals claimed.
NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick appealed to all farmers who are eligible for the scheme to make their applications before the deadline.
He said: “This coupled support payment is vital for Scotland’s beef producers. Beef production is expensive, and this scheme helps target money to farmers who are incurring the costs.
“As we head towards Brexit, we need to maintain our iconic beef industry.
“These payments offer support which helps to underpin our cattle numbers. This is going to be key if we are to take full advantage of new opportunities.”
Applications for the scheme can be made online through the rural payments website or on paper.
“Aswe head towards Brexit, we need to maintain our iconic beef industry. ANDREW mccornick, nfus president