Scottish farmers should receive regular payments brought forward to help with the added costs of the long winter which has adversely affected the industry.
NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick met with Emma Harper MSP this week to discuss the serious problems Scotland’s farmers are facing after months of bad weather.
The desperate lack of fodder and straw, and the increase in fallen stock due to the spates of extreme cold weather in late winter and early spring, were both high on the agenda at the meeting at Pularyan farm, Stranraer.
At the meeting, NFU Scotland said it would like to see farmers helped by the Government during this "difficult time."
NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick stated the "urgent need" for regular payments to be brought forward to help with the added costs of the long winter, financial assistance with fallen stock costs and an assistance package to be announced.
'Extremely tough winter'
Many livestock and dairy farmers have been seriously hit by the high fodder costs which were caused by the poor weather last Autumn.
The situation was exacerbated by the long winter, which continued to the end of March and is still affecting farmers who are now deep into lambing and calving, having gone in on the back foot.
Many farmers are also seeing ongoing increases in the number of fallen stock as they continue with lambing and calving.
NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “This has been an extremely tough winter for many, starting off on the wrong foot with the poor harvest and continuing on with some of the worst snow spells we have seen in quite a few years.
“We have heard from our members that many are seeing a steep increase in the amount of fallen stock they are having to pay to be collected. This added expense, on top off the loss of income that comes with losing livestock, can be a serious burden financially as well as mentally.
“All of this is increasing the hardship element and concerns, not just financial burdens but also in relation to farmers health and mental wellbeing.”
Mr McCornick added: “Today’s meeting with Emma Harper was a welcome example of the open dialogue we hope to continue with the Scottish Government and we are grateful that she was able to take time out of her schedule to speak to us about the issues.”
