Deadline for submitting SAFs draws near

The Scottish Government has urged farmers and crofters not to leave Single Application Form (SAF) submission until the last minute.

Rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has issued a reminder to producers that the deadline for completing and submitting SAFs is midnight on Monday next week.

This week, the Government said it had received 8,267 SAFs and Mr Ewing said this was more than at the same point last year and that more applications had been made online.

“As in previous years we expect to see a late surge in applications during the last week of the deadline,” he said.

“I urge all customers who wish to do so to submit their applications online as soon as possible and not wait until the last moment.

“The online application is designed to simplify the process by automatically checking applications for errors – reducing the risk of financial penalties – and enabling farmers to access and update their business and land information at the touch of a button.

“If you would like further information about applying, please contact your local area office who will be able to assist.”

Last week, the Scottish Government said it had chosen not to accept a European Commission offer to extend the SAF deadline this year,

Member states were given the option to extend the deadline to June 15, however the Scottish Government said it would stick with the original deadline.