£12.2 million refund for Scottish farmers

NFU Scotland has welcomed the news that Scottish farmers and crofters are set to receive a share of Scotland’s £12.2 million Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) refund in the next few days.

Under financial discipline, Europe required all member states to set aside a proportion of 2013 direct payments to create an emergency fund. Unspent funds are now being returned with about 14,600 Scottish producers set to receive an average of £845 each.  Scottish Government expects the refunds to start arriving in bank accounts from next Thursday (11 June).

NFU Scotland’s Director of Policy Jonnie Hall said: “In what has been a bleak, cold start to the summer, these refunds will be a welcome sight when they arrive in bank accounts. Given the sums involved, no payment notice will be issued to recipients so we would urge members to keep an eye on their accounts to ensure that they receive the refund from next Thursday onwards.

“I congratulate Scottish Government staff for getting the refund out the door and all attention – both farmers and officials – will now focus on our new CAP schemes and the completion of Single Application Forms ahead of the June 15 deadline. Almost 12,000 forms have already been completed and we remind those not yet engaged in completing their SAF that only 13 days remain and we urge them to get cracking. “Improvements to the online system are continuing to deliver and we encourage members to apply electronically.  

“To help, Scottish Government has stated that any claimants needing help with their SAF, or who encounter any issues, should contact their local RPID area office for support where blank paper forms are available on request. Importantly, where necessary, local offices can now provide pre-populated paper forms as well.”   

Ends

Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006