FARMERS growing oilseed rape on set-aside for non-food use have been urged to contact the Scottish Executive immediately if they are unlikely to meet contract terms.

NFU Scotland said as a result of the terrible weather, some producers might be unable to fulfil contracts which state that a certain yield must be achieved. 

Under the normal rules, in exceptional circumstances, a shortfall of 10% in yield is permissible.   

But a shortfall of more than that can be considered where the Executive has given permission for the forecast yield to be amended downward prior to harvest. 

The union said any producers who are in this potential situation should contact their local area offices immediately. 

Any unauthorised shortfall could contravene set-aside rules and jeopardise arable support payments, it warned.

NFUS president John Kinnaird said: “The recent deluge has come at the worst possible time. 

“Some crops have been destroyed and those which have withstood the weather are deteriorating.”