The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Pay move is a helping hand for farmers
The Scottish Government is bringing forward the timetable for paying Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments by a month to September.
The decision was welcomed by farming leaders who had repeatedly pressed for such a move to help with cash flows and the cost-of-living crisis.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said that, subject to approval by parliament, payments will now start from September 19 instead of October 16.
She added: “Given the sharp rise in energy, fuel and fertiliser costs in recent months, I am acutely aware that businesses across Scotland are facing a hugely challenging increase in their bills. This is compounding the challenging operating environment caused by the Covid pandemic and the hard Brexit imposed on Scotland by the UK Government, which has inflicted significant and lasting damage on our world class food and drink industries, rural and coastal communities.
“That is why I have listened to the representations from the farming and crofting community. The intention is to support businesses, as far as possible, with immediate cash flow challenges.”
NFU Scotland (NFUS) said the announcement would deliver cash flow certainty and help with business planning and allow the thousands of farmers and crofters attending next week’s Royal Highland Show to budget and plan for any purchases or deals they may do at the event.
NFUS president Martin Kennedy, added: “Input cost inflation has been long-lasting and is already having a significant impact on business decisions at a farm and croft level.”
He added: “While there is no quick fix to the current crisis, the Scottish Government decision to agree to our request and bring forward Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payments will help to build confidence across the industry, as we enter one of the busiest weeks in the Scottish farming calendar.
“This announcement is an important boost ahead of the Highland Show.”