NFU Scotland has welcomed confirmation today from the Scottish Executive of the final figure for farmers’ contributions to the National Reserve. Farmers’ Single Farm Payments will be reduced by 4.2 per cent.

The National Reserve is a crucial mechanism to ensure farmers are not disadvantaged by the introduction of the new Single Farm Payment (SFP) system. In particular, new entrants to farming and those who have expanded their business since the end of the reference period for calculating the SFP have been able to access National Reserve support.

All Single Farm Payments were expected to be reduced by at least three per cent, although it had been stressed in the SFP paperwork that the reduction could be as high as eight per cent.

NFUS President John Kinnaird said:

“We had been braced for a higher reduction, so there is some relief that the final figure is just over four per cent.

“Obviously, there has been a delay in announcing the figure because it depends on the demand across the UK and the processing of claims has been much slower in England. But now at least the uncertainty has been removed.

“I am pleased the Minister’s has announced his intention to start making final payments at the end of March as this will help with financial planning. I know the Minister is aware of how important it is for payments to be issued as soon as possible.”

NFUS Responds to Agricultural Levy Board Review
Westminster Meetings Highlight Food Supply Chain Concerns
NFUS Continues To Fight Injustices In Food Supply Chain