Lochhead announces £6m recovery package
The Scottish government has announced a £6m recovery package for farmers affected by the extreme weather.
The funding is in addition to £500,000 already announced to help deal with the costs of fallen stock.
It is not yet clear exactly how the money will be spent.
An industry group chaired by chief agricultural officer Drew Sloan has been tasked with developing the details of the recovery package over the coming weeks.
Rural affairs minister Richard Lochhead said the government had been listening closely to farmers to assess the scale of the problems caused by the worst snow in living memory.
“It’s difficult to quantify the amount needed as many farmers are still counting the cost but we know that the number of fallen stock collections for sheep was up 50% in April compared with last year and up 25% for cattle.”
Richard Lochhead, rural affairs minister
“That’s why we are making available a £6m aid package to those farmers who have been hardest hit,” he said.
“It’s difficult to quantify the amount needed as many farmers are still counting the cost but we know that the number of fallen stock collections for sheep was up 50% in April compared with last year and up 25% for cattle.
“A team of industry experts, who will further develop the detail of the aid scheme, will meet for the first time next week.
“The group will ensure the aid is targeted at those who need it most, providing a badly needed lifeline to help them get back on their feet.”