Scottish farming payments update

90 per cent of LFASS applicants to be paid by the end of March

Over half of Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) payments have now been made, reaching 6,750 farms and providing vital support to farmers in areas where production conditions are extremely challenging.

At least a further 2,000 farmers across Scotland can expect payments to hit their bank accounts by 25 March 2011.

Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"LFASS and other farming payments are the lifeblood of Scotland’s agricultural sector and given rising feed costs and other pressures, I appreciate the industry is keen for the delay in payments to be kept to a minimum.

"That’s why we are using all available resources to ensure as many farmers receive their payments as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the on-farm inspections required prior to payment were delayed by some of the harshest winter weather conditions in decades.

"The majority of applicants have already received their payment, with around ’30 million paid out to 6,750 farmers across Scotland.

"Processing is continuing and at least a further 2,000 farmers can expect their LFASS payment to hit their bank account by 25 March 2011. Our aim is to ensure 90 per cent of applicants receive this essential funding by the end of March. I am also contacting the banks to keep them informed of the timescales and ask they show flexibility to this group of customers during this period.

"We are also on track to make 25 million pounds of Beef Calf Scheme payments at the start of April, reaching 95 per cent of applicants. This follows on from the speedy payment of Single Farm Payments, where 96 per cent were paid a total 443 million pounds by 31 December 2010."