Support payments issued to Scottish and NI farmers

More than three-quarters (77%) of eligible farm businesses in Scotland have been allocated funding through the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and as greening payments.

The Scottish government says BPS supplements income from agriculture, while greening payments encourage agricultural practises that benefit the environment and climate.

More than 14,000 businesses are due to receive payments, with in excess of £322m set to reach Scottish farmers and crofters this week.

See also: Scottish government confirms cuts to 2025 payment rates

BPS rates have been reduced very marginally, with Region 1 land, comprising high-quality arable and grassland, receiving a combined BPS and greening payment of £223.01/ha, which represents a 37p/ha reduction on the previous year.

Scottish agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “Unlike elsewhere in the UK, Scotland has maintained direct payments to farmers and crofters because we know how important it is to have stability and the ability to plan in agriculture.

“Getting more of the funds out at an earlier date is hugely positive for the sector and we are playing our part in supporting a resilient and stable agricultural sector to ensure our food security.”

The confirmation of payments this week has been welcomed by NFU Scotland (NFUS), which describes it as a “positive milestone”, providing a “vital injection of confidence and cashflow” to the industry.

NFUS president Andrew Connon said: “These payments will provide a much needed cashflow boost for thousands of farm businesses across Scotland.

“We have consistently made the case to government that support must be delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible, particularly given the scale of pressure facing our industry.

“Getting support out early is key to building confidence and helping businesses manage volatility.”

Northern Ireland

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) has also started to roll out agricultural payments with £250m of funding due to be issued to NI farmers.

The majority of payments have been made under the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment, part of Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

Funding has also been provided through the Young Farmer Payment, and Protein Crop Scheme.

Daera minister Andrew Muir said: “Over £242.4m has been paid out to 98% of eligible businesses on the first day.

“This significant financial support underscores my ongoing commitment to supporting our farmers for the benefit of a more resilient and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector.

“Northern Ireland is the only region of the UK where funding for agriculture, agri-environment, fisheries and rural development is ring-fenced, and I am proud to have secured that certainty for the farming sector.”

The Ulster Farmers’ Union welcomed the rollout of Daera’s new Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

UFU president William Irvine said: “For family farms across Northern Ireland, this support is essential. Income from food production alone is often not enough to sustain a viable farm business, never mind support a home and family.

“These payments provide critical stability as the sector works to become more sustainable, adapting to a range of new challenges while producing the high-quality food consumers expect.”

England and Wales

Defra figures indicate that delinked payments in England are being hit with a 98% reduction on the first £30,000 reference amount and a 100% cut thereafter, effectively limiting payments to just £600 a farm compared with £7,300 this year.

Payments were issued to farmers as a lump sum from 1 August, rather than in two instalments.

Defra is phasing out delinked payments, with a total funding pot of just £20m for next year.

In Wales, £238m has been made available to provide direct payments to farmers in 2025.

BPS advance payments in Wales will begin on 14 October, with balance payments set to be issued from 12 December.