Farm funding support delivered ahead of schedule

News that vital Scottish Government funding to farmers and crofters to keep Scotland’s food production moving during the pandemic has been delivered ahead of schedule has been welcomed by Argyll and Bute’s MSP Michael Russell.

So far, more than 95 per cent of Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer payments have been made – four months ahead of schedule.

The payments were introduced in December last year and have so far paid out almost £400million.

Mr Russell said: ‘It has been a monumental effort to ensure farmers and crofters in Argyll and Bute have received their payments from the Scottish Government. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial we keep money flowing into our rural communities and keep funding our crofters and farmers.

‘The past year has been extremely difficult for the food production industry. it has suffered the double-whammy of Covid-19 and Brexit.

‘But because the Scottish Government placed the needs of our rural communities at the top of its priority list, our farmers and crofters have been protected from at least some of Brexit’s disastrous consequences.

‘Our farming communities deserve the nation’s thanks for their dedication during the long hours and days of lockdown in maintaining essential supply chains and keeping food on our plates.

‘I would now urge farmers and crofters to ensure they submit their Single Application Form 2021 applications as soon as they can to make sure they receive their payments for this year.’