SAC Consulting

TODAY (March 15, 2018) the Scottish Government will once again open the annual applications for farm and crofter support payment under the IACS process. This annual form is hugely important for agricultural businesses’ cashflow as it includes applications for Basic Payment Scheme, Less Favoured Area Support Scheme payments and the annual environmental management payments under SRDPRP and AECS. The IACS form also unlocks access

to the direct support payments such as the Sheep Upland Support Scheme and Scottish Suckler Beef Support scheme – though they also have individual applications later in the year. In the west coast hill and mountain farming area of Scotland, these support payments will, on average, make up between two-thirds and three-quarters of a farm business’s annual income. Hence the IACS form’s importance for business survival.

The big change this year is that SGRPID will not be accepting paper applications. All

applications will instead need to be completed electronically. At SAC, we have been using the electronic system for many years. It is not without its frustrations but, on balance, it does deliver more benefits than a paper system. The deadline is as usual May 15 so, in theory, there is plenty time to apply. However, if you previously applied on paper we advise you plan a bit further ahead this year so you have time to adjust to the new electronic system.