NFU Scotland is urging Scotland’s farmers and crofters to respond to the BPS and Greening Loan Scheme offers ahead of the 20 October deadline.

The National Basic Payment Scheme Support Scheme (NBPSS) 2017 loan offer letters were issued by Scottish Government at the end of September, giving applicants the opportunity, by opting in, to secure up to 90 percent of their anticipated basic support through a loan.

Offers were initially made to more than 16,000 businesses and the Union understands around 10,000 farmers have replied, opting into the loan scheme.  SGRPID expect payments to be made from November to those who apply before the deadline.

Director of Policy, Jonnie Hall said: “While the response rate to the loan letter is good, this is a nudge to those still to opt in that they have to act now and get their replies in if they wish to be considered for the first run of loan payments.

“This is proving to be a difficult and challenging autumn for farmers and crofters and the reality is that a long, costly winter lies ahead.  This loan scheme gives farmers and crofters the opportunity to opt-in for a loan that will go some significant way to easing the cashflow worries that will already be building.” 

Notes to Editors

• A detailed Question and Answer from the Scottish Government on the loan scheme can be found at: https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/national-loan-schemes/loans-for-2017-18-payments/#126531  

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006