Unexpected hurdle to be cleared for SAF as the deadline looms

A significant number of farmers aiming to complete their Single Application Forms ( SAF) before the deadline of next Friday are facing an unexpected hurdle with notifications of last minute changes to their farm maps.

In a situation which NFU Scotland has described as ‘ unsatisfactory,’ a number of farm businesses that had land inspections last year have started receiving letters and revised maps from Scottish Government this week just as the SAF 2019 is about to close on 15 May.

Some 1,150 land inspections were undertaken in 2018. While the majority resulted in very few or no adjustment to maps, others have received significant changes to the maps associated with their application in 2018 and these new maps must be used for the 2019 SAF.

Union president Andrew Mccornick is one of those caught up in the latest problem with the support system. Having received his revised maps in the past few days, he said, “Delays in Scottish Government processing land inspection information from 2018 has created a worrying and inconsiderate situation where revised maps are only being issued a few days before the 2019 SAF deadline.

“The fact remains that the SAF application window closes on the 15 May and all claimants, including those with land inspections in 2018, must meet this deadline if they wish to avoid any deductions for late submission.”

The Scottish Government said it was aware of the issue and was keen to do all they could to help.

For farmers who had received a land inspection in 2018 and had not yet received a map, staff in the local SGRPID area offices would provide details of the inspections.