£246m support payments arrive in Scottish farmers bank accounts
Farm support payments worth £246million have been deposited in the bank accounts of 12,000 Scottish farmers.
The first 2016 direct loan payments will be deposited in farmers bank accounts today, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has confirmed.
Almost 12,000 farmers and crofters have today had their payments authorised under the National Basic Payment Support Scheme (NBPSS), which will see just under £246 million go into the rural economy.
Mr Ewing said: “I can confirm the first direct loan payments for 2016 will arrive in farmers’ bank accounts today, which is injecting nearly a quarter of a billion pounds into the rural economy.
“The funding will give our rural communities the security and certainty they need to plan for the year ahead while driving forward the rural economy.
“We have had a great response from farmers to the 2016 scheme and will be writing to each recipient confirming their individual loan shortly. In the meantime, we continue to progress the remaining applications received after the 19 October deadline and further offer letters will be issued as eligibility is clarified.
“We would encourage the 5,000 farmers who received a loan offer but haven’t yet replied to decide if they want to apply and return the application slip as soon as possible.”
NFU Scotland director of policy Jonnie Hall welcomed the announcement and said the funds were a “hugely welcome and sizeable boost to our rural economy as we head into winter”.
He added: “Given ongoing concerns over the IT payment system, we were very supportive of the Cabinet Secretary opting for the loan scheme approach and he is now delivering on his commitment to put precious funds into accounts in early November.
“That delivers stability and certainty to farmers and crofters but will also very quickly filter out to all those businesses who provide them with goods and services.”
