Push needed to get all SFP out in December

NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that support payments to Scottish farmers will begin today (Monday, 3 December).  This maintains the Scottish Government’s good record in the prompt delivery of the Single Farm Payment (SFP) to eligible farmers.

According to the Scottish Government, today will see around 14,200 producers receive their SFP - an increase of around 4 per cent on 2011 – worth an estimated £303 million to the rural economy.

Given the exceptionally bad weather that farmers have faced this year, and the cash flow problems that some Scottish farmers are facing, the Union is urging the Scottish Government to make every effort in ensuring that every SFP claimant gets delivery of their payment by the end of this month.

NFU Scotland President, Nigel Miller said:

“Farming systems and financial resources have been pushed to near breaking point by the extreme weather endured on many farms this year.  In our recent wet weather survey, many respondents highlighted worries over cash flow and expenditure, and prompt delivery of the SFP is very welcome but also badly needed.

“This payment run will bolster 14,200 farm businesses into the New Year but we would want to see all eligible claimants receive a similar boost before the year is out.

“Getting so many payments out the door in the first week is commendable and we have asked the Scottish Government to make every effort to complete its full payment run by the end of December.  

 “Given the exceptional year, we think it must be appropriate that resources are directed towards delivering on this and that all the SFP monies flow in December.”

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006