NFU Scotland has welcomed confirmation from the Scottish Government that its £3 million Severe Weather Grant Scheme, as announced at the Union’s AGM in St Andrews last week, will now be extended to provide support to those who have seen farm buildings collapse in the most recent snow storms.  

However, the Union is reminding those businesses looking to make use of the £6000 available to them under the scheme that to qualify for support, costs related to replacement temporary structures or securing alternative accommodation needs to have been incurred before the end of March.   Claims must then be submitted by the end of April.

NFU Scotland President, Jim McLaren said:

“Scotland has experienced some of the worst winter weather since records began.  Between December of last year and the last week of February, it is estimated that almost 3000 farm buildings across Scotland collapsed under the weight of snow and ice.   For many farmers, that has created a major headache in terms of providing temporary accommodation for their livestock at this crucial time as we enter the main lambing and calving period. 

“The Scottish Government reacted quickly to the situation, set up a working group to assess the scale of the problem and to identify potential solutions.  It has since made available £3 million pounds or up to £6000 per affected business through a grant scheme to help provide financial assistance where farmers have been forced to rent alternative housing or erect temporary structures to avoid exposing livestock to health and welfare problems.   That is a show of real support for the industry.

“The original terms of eligibility for the scheme required the farm building damage to have occurred before January 31, 2010.   With last week’s snowfalls bringing down more buildings across the country, it is excellent news that the Scottish Government is opening up the scheme to any farm business suffering damage since 28 December last year.

“However, I urge those looking to make use of this scheme to get arrangements in place as a matter of urgency.   Work must be completed and costs occurred before the end of this month and claims submitted before the end of April.”

Notes to Editors

• This winter, the extent of the snow was so exceptional that many farm buildings collapsed under the weight of snow lying on roofs.   The Scottish Government set up a working group to analyse and measure the impact of the problem and following the working group’s recommendations, the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead MSP, has made available up to £3 million to help those business that experienced building collapse.
• The grant scheme will help provide financial assistance where farmers have been forced to rent alternative housing or acquire temporary structures to avoid exposing livestock to health and welfare problems.   There is no financial assistance for the permanent reinstatement, rebuilding or repair of collapsed buildings.   Claims must be submitted to your local SGRPID Office on or before 30 April 2010.
• To be eligible applications must meet the following conditions:

-          The applicant must allow an inspection of the damaged building to take place.

-          The damaged building must be located on a Scottish agricultural holding.

-          The damage to the building must have occurred since 28 December 2009.

-          Where appropriate copies of rental agreements and properly receipted invoices must be provided at the time of claim submission.

-          The costs claimed were necessarily incurred by the business and, are considered fair and reasonable for the services provided.        

• The maximum grant available is £6,000 per business.   The Scottish Government has set aside a maximum of £3 million to meet the cost of eligible claims.   If the total sum approved exceeds this figure, individual claims will be scaled back proportionately to ensure demand does not exceed available funding.
• The rules for this scheme are being provided under the de minimus State Aid rules.   This will limit the total sum of money any individual can claim under State Aid schemes in a three-year period to £6000 per business.   The small number of current State Aid schemes includes the Crofting Bull Hire Scheme.
• Application forms are available from local RPID area offices or from the following web address: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/grants/Schemes/SevereWeatherGrant

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Contact Bob Carruth on 0131 472 4006