Scots farmers to receive £23.4 million

Scottish Beef Calf Scheme payments to start this week

More than 7,500 Scottish producers will receive their share of £23.4 million of European funding this week.

The payments will be made in respect of the 2009 Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (SBCS) for more than 406,000 animals claimed for last year.

Welcoming the prompt payments, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"These payments will provide vital support and deliver great benefit for our livestock sector, following a turbulent winter and the impact of severe weather on many farmers. I am sure they will be welcomed by Scotland’s quality beef producers, following on from the Single Farm Payments at the end of last year and the Less Favoured Area Support payments at the start of this year. Together, these payments form part of an important support framework that is always essential, and never more so than in the current economic climate."

Payments will start to arrive in bank accounts from this Wednesday April 14, with the majority to be received by Friday April 16 subject to necessary validation checks.

This year’s payment rate is set at £114.38 (EU125.80) for each of the first 10 cows, and £57.19 (EU62.90) for the remainder.