Opt in to government loan scheme, farmers are urged

Farmers are being encouraged to “opt in” to the latest offer of loans from the Scottish Government which are worth 95% of their 2020 National Basic Payment Support Scheme.

Letters have been sent to around 16,000 Scottish producers in the first round of offers, with a total of 17,300 businesses expected to be eligible.

Farmers who want to accept the offer and receive payment without delay are asked to respond by September 4 by email or by post.

NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick said: “The announcement that the vast majority of Scotland’s farmers and crofters can access up to 95% of their BPS and greening payments from September will add certainty and stability across Scottish agriculture and the wider rural community at a time of great change.

“Previous loan schemes have provided an invaluable boost to the rural economy each autumn, stimulating investment in farms and crofts across the country.

“This year, as we recover from Covid-19, the scheme will also provide much-needed cash flow ahead of an unknown winter that will undoubtedly be dominated by Brexit.

“The ability for Scottish Government to bring forward this loan scheme several weeks earlier than previous loan schemes is also testament to the commitment and hard work undertaken by farmers and crofters, Scottish Government officials and SGRPID staff in sticking to the May 15 SAF application deadline, despite the unprecedented circumstances this year.”

Mr Mccornick urged all producers to opt into the scheme, preferably by email to ensure payments are processed and made as soon as possible.