Farm payment ‘a game changer’, says MSP

THE latest tranche of Scottish Government support for farmers and crofters has been welcomed by a South Scotland MSP as, “a game-changer”. Support payments of more than £322 million will reach the accounts of Scottish farmers and crofters this week. As of 1 September, 77 per cent of eligible Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening funding has been paid out. The BPS supplements agriculture income, while Greening payments encourage agricultural practices that benefit the environment and climate. Welcoming it, South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, said: “I’m delighted our farmers across Dumfries and Galloway will this week see the direct benefits of a Scottish Government committed to supporting our rural economy and ensuring we have a healthy and sustainable agriculture industry. “This support is a lifeline to farms across our communities and across Scotland, and in many cases is a literal game-changer for farmers who would otherwise struggle to survive in the post-Brexit environment. “Married up with our world-leading hospitality industry, Dumfries and Galloway is showing more and more how to sustain jobs and attract more to boost our local economy and meet the challenges our area faces in the longer term.” Scottish Government Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie added: “Unlike elsewhere in the UK, Scotland has maintained direct payments to farmers and crofters because we know how important it is to have stability and the ability to plan in agriculture. “Getting more of the funds out at an earlier date is hugely positive for the sector and we are playing our part in supporting a resilient and stable agricultural sector to ensure our food security.”