NFU Scotland is reminding all SUSSS applicants of some of the main scheme breaches to avoid this year

The Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme opens from 1 September and closes on 30 November, giving applicants three months to get their applications into the Scottish Government.

NFU Scotland is urging those applying to the scheme to bear in mind some of the more common breaches which can mean the imposition of a significant penalty against the amount being claimed.

One of the most common breaches over the last few years has been that animals have not been retained on the registered holding during the retention period. This could be if they have been sold or died without recording, or just not present during inspection.

When registering for the scheme, farmers and crofters must enter all the locations which will be used for the registered ewe hoggs during the retention period on their claim form.

If sheep are to be moved to a place other than that given on the claim form – even for a short period, for example to graze stubble turnips belonging to another farmer – the RPID area office must be notified in advanced and in writing (by e-mail, letter or online) of this additional retention location before the movement is made.

The other most common breach which has resulted in scheme penalties has been incidents of animals incorrectly tagged. The most common example being when slaughter tags have been used.

Eligible ewe hoggs must be less than 12 months old at the start of the retention period and must be fully electronically identified with two matching identifiers prior to the submission of the claim and recorded in the holding register.

NFU Scotland LFA Chair Robert Macdonald said: “SUSSS is a vital source of support for a number of hill sheep farmers and it is important that they do not miss out on some of that money because of easily avoided mistakes.

“Many of the breaches which have incurred penalties in the past have either been from lapses in bookkeeping or not using the appropriate tags. It is important that those applying take their time and make sure they are not in danger of being penalised and losing a percentage of their payment.

“This support is not only important for farmers and crofters producing a fantastic product from some of the toughest farmland, but also to the local communities which see a huge amount of reinvestment from these businesses.”

Notes to Editors

• Further information and guidance from NFU Scotland is available to members in a Business Guide Update https://www.nfus.org.uk/nfuscontent/business-guides/17515/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme-susss-2019-application
• Full guidance for SUSSS can be found on the Scottish Government Rural Payments website at the following address: https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme/scottish-upland-sheep-support-scheme-full-guidance/    
  

Ends

Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4059