NFU Scotland voices fears over delay with contracts

NFU Scotland has complained to the Scottish Government that the delayed release of environmental contracts is blocking vital project funding to farmers and could be storing up knock-on issues for the future.

The union’s complaint is that 2019 AgriEnvironment Climate Scheme (AECS) contracts are still not in place – “hindering the progress” of applicants in implementing agreed and approved biodiversity and climate change mitigation measures.

NFUS says the funding is vital to enable farmers and crofters to fully play their part as stewards of the majority of Scotland’s environmental interests, such as very precious species and habitats.

One of the farmers affected is Forfar farmer Euan Walker-Munro, who is still waiting for his contract to arrive despite having been accepted for the scheme.

He said: “The lack of a contract two weeks after receiving approval notification does not bode well for the smooth running of the scheme, especially when work can’t start until the signed contract has been returned and subsequent advice has been received that the work can begin.”

NFUS president Andrew McCornick said: “Whilst we appreciate the delay in issuing contracts has been unavoidable due to the uncertainty of available budget, we are concerned contracts are not in place.

“The lengthy and difficult application process for AECS, combined with these delays, further discourages potential applicants from considering the schemes.”

The union also said the delayed start to approved work could affect the ability of approved applicants to hit future completion dates.