Scottish payments paid on time and in full says Scottish Government
The Scottish Government expects to pay around 90 per cent of eligible claims for Single Farm Payment within the first month of the 2007 payment window, cabinet secretary for rural affairs Richard Lochhead confirmed today.
Payments in December are expected to amount to more than £330 million and represents support to more than 18,000 producers.
The payment window opens on 1 December although as this falls on a Saturday, payments will be made from Monday, 3 December 2007.
Mr Lochhead said:
“Scottish farmers have had a tough time of it this summer, with the foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey having a serious effect on the industry throughout Scotland.
“Today I am very pleased to bring better news. We pledged to pay at least 65 per cent of eligible Single Farm Payment claims on the earliest possible date, December 3.
“We have managed to exceed that target and I am sure farmers and crofters will welcome a considerable improvement on last year’s performance.
“The SFP is an important part of the mix of measures this Government is putting in place to deliver strong sustainable growth that will be enjoyed by communities in all parts of Scotland.
“Our priority now will be to work with producers to resolve any problems and I would urge all concerned to ensure that they respond promptly to any requests that will assist us to settle their claims.”
Payments are being issued to producers who have successfully passed the Scottish Government’s eligibility checks. Because of European Commission conditions attached to payments, farmers and crofters who have outstanding inspections or other eligibility issues cannot be paid until these have been resolved.