Representatives of NFU Scotland, the Scottish Crofting Foundation and the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association today met Scottish Executive officials to stress the need for urgent action to allay the serious concerns of farmers and crofters about the proposed cuts in agri-environment payments.

The three organisations emphasised that the whole agri-environment system, and indeed the new Land Management Contract (LMC) scheme, would be undermined if the proposed payment cuts became a reality.

Land managers across Scotland who have committed to five or ten year agri-environment programmes now find the scheme payments facing cuts of up to 85 per cent.

NFUS, SCF and SRPBA have urged the Scottish Executive to only implement any revised rates for those newly entering these schemes from 2006. Even then, there is a clear need for consultation with the industry on the specific rates. Crucially, those already in a scheme or who have applied for one should have their payments rates honoured for the full-term of the contract.

With producers questioning the wisdom of entering any schemes when payments can be cut dramatically mid-term, the knock-on effects for the new LMC Menu Scheme in its first year are obvious. Land managers' confidence in the support system as a whole has been dealt a body blow and must be restored.

The concerns of the industry were very clearly stated to Executive officials and the need for swift action was underlined. The deadline for LMC applications is only a fortnight away and agri-environment work is ongoing across the country under existing schemes. All three organisations emphasised the importance of the Department reaching a decision and taking action in the coming days.