Agricultural community given £50,000 charity bailout as tough trading and poor weather inflict hardship

WITH fields flooded, and the grass still not growing in many parts of Scotland, the Scottish Government has paid a charity grant of £50,000 to help those farmers and crofters already suffering financial hardship.

The very poor weather experienced across Scotland this spring and summer has meant farmers having to bring cows out of fields and back into sheds, where they are now eating into what should be their winter feed.

The grant funding has been awarded to RSABI, a registered Scottish charity that helps to relieve hardship and poverty amongst people who depend on the land.

It comes as the UK Government agreed to requests by the Scottish Government and farming unions for a summit of UK agriculture ministers and industry representatives to be held next week. Speaking ahead of a visit to Lairg lamb sales Scottish rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I am aware that the unseasonably wet weather we have been experiencing is having an impact on farmers and crofters across a number of parts of Scotland.

“I have heard reports of sheep farmers suffering losses of animals at lambing due to the cold, wet conditions and cattle are not performing as well as usual. This obviously has implications for production, as well as potentially the prices farmers can achieve at market for their stock.

“Early indications also suggest this year’s silage yields may be badly affected by the weather, meaning further problems could be in store for the winter months ahead. My officials are continuing to work with industry to closely monitor the situation, and I am very keen to explore ways in which the industry and Scottish Government can help,” he said.

“I am acutely aware some farmers and crofters might be experiencing hardship in the short term. That is why I am announcing a £50,000 donation to RSABI, a unique Scottish charity that provides financial assistance and support to those people who have worked in Scotland in land-based occupations and who are suffering hardship.”

RSABI chief executive Nina Clancy said: “RSABI is very grateful for the donation from the Scottish Government.

“We are experiencing an increased number of working farmers and crofters contacting the charity for support and financial assistance.

“Farmers and crofters are facing extremely challenging times. RSABI is here to help where it can. We would urge people to call our helpline in confidence. We do more than you think, just ask.” For in-depth news and views on Scottish agriculture, see this Friday’s issue of The Scottish Farmer or visit www. thescottishfarmer.co.uk.