Thousands of farmers in Scotland are set to receive a share of a £12.2 million fund being repaid by the European Commission this week, it has been announced.
The cash was set aside after a money-saving drive in 2013 that saw around 14,600 producers receive a small reduction in their Single Farm Payments.
But part of the fund was not spent, meaning repayments will now be made to farmers across Scotland from June 11.
‘Boost to Scottish producers’
In total, the 14,600 producers who were affected by the austerity measure are expected to receive an average of around £845 each.
The announcement was welcomed by observers at Strutt & Parker. Head of Farming Mary Munro said: “The refund is worth a few hundred pounds per business but nonetheless will be a welcome boost to funds for Scottish producers.”
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said the money would be good news for Scotland’s farmers and crofters.
‘Welcome windfall’
He said: “This will be a modest albeit welcome windfall for thousands of Scottish farmers and crofters who had their payments reduced in 2013 as required by Europe.”
Mr Lochhead also used the announcement to remind farmers to hand in their Single Application Forms before the deadline to make sure they get financial support this year.
He said: “It is also a timely reminder for farmers and crofters to submit their Single Application Forms for 2015 CAP support as soon as possible.”
“We have now received 11,677 SAFs – more than 50 per cent of the expected final tally – with less than two weeks to go until the June 15 deadline and I continue to encourage everyone to finalise and submit their applications as soon they can.”
