Farmers offered funding to mitigate adverse weather conditions

Farmers will be offered government funding to help cope with adverse weather conditions, under new plans announced by Fergus Ewing.

The National Basic Payment Support Scheme (NBPSS) will provide financial support to eligible farmers for up to 90 per cent of what they are due as part of their Basic Payment Scheme 2018 payments.

The funding, available from early October, will then be offset against NBPSS payments.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Farmers are the backbone of Scotland’s rural economy, and we understand that many of them have really suffered this year due to the unprecedented severe weather experienced in 2018. 

“The Scottish Government is of course committed to supporting our farmers, and have responded by taking decisive action to make this extra funding stream available. 

“We will be issuing loan offers shortly, providing a much-needed cash injection for those feeling the effects of increased prices for feed and fodder, the impact of restraints on irrigating their land, and in some cases resorting to selling livestock earlier than planned to preserve fodder for breeding stocks. 

“I have also asked the Agriculture Weather Advisory Panel to consider what other actions may be helpful in response to the recent dry weather.  The Panel met last week and will be issuing advice, focused on the continuing need for farmers to plan ahead and collaborate effectively across the industry.”