Scots dairy sector ‘left out’ of support plans
Despite up to £10,000 worth of aid being made available to struggling dairy farmers in England, no similar Covid-19 compensation scheme has been confirmed for Scottish producers.
The funding announced for milk producers south of the Border came after a protracted campaign to gain recognition for the plight of producers – many of whom were having to pour uncollected and unpaid for milk down the drain due to the collapse in demand following the closure of cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Announcing the move, the UK Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, said: “With some dairy farmers facing financial difficulties and excess milk, the new fund will provide support for those most in need.
“Eligible dairy farmers will be entitled to up to £10,000 each, to cover 70 per cent of their lost income during April and May to ensure they can continue to operate and sustain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare.”
He said that to be eligible, producers needed to show they had lost more than 25 per cent of their income over April and May due to coronavirus disruptions and added that no cap had been set on the number of farmers who would be able to receive this support or on the total funding available.
However, there was no sign of a firm commitment from the Scottish Government, beyond making a contribution to a £1 million marketing scheme announced earlier in the week which was designed to help boost sales of dairy products by encouraging the public to drink more milk.
“We are aware that some dairy producers in Scotland have also been impacted by the loss of markets in the service industry,” said a spokesman yesterday.
“We remain in regular contact with the sector and are working with the UK government and the other devolved administrations, and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, to support efforts to encourage more consumer demand and increased retail space for Scottish dairy produce.”
However he added that the administration would be meeting producers shortly to explore what, if any, additional assistance might be appropriate for the sector in Scotland.
NFU Scotland president Andrew Mccornick said the union had been working in conjunction with the other UK farming unions to consider how UK dairy farms directly affected by Covid-19 could be helped:
“Our counterparts in the English NFU have welcomed the announcement of this hardship funding and we now look to the devolved governments to provide clarity on their positions.”
Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton demanded the Scottish Government acted quickly to offer support to dairy farmers affected by the pandemic.
Stating that she was disappointed that the rural economy secretary, Fergus Ewing, had been unable to offer a cast-iron guarantee that such support would be made available in Scotland she said: “Dairy farmers deserve to know that funding is there in times of hardship, especially at this unprecedented time.”
“We know that dairy farmers are facing issues and whilst a campaign to encourage more milk sales is welcomed, grant support is needed, as many have lost their main customers, such as hotels and coffee shops.”