Farm cash to be handed out from next week

Scottish farmers may feel Christmas is coming early with confirmation yesterday by the Scottish Government that they are ready to start paying out the single farm payment next Wednesday.

Some 373 million will be paid out on that date to 15,700 farmers. This will mean 81 per cent of Scottish farmers will get their SFP support almost on the first date on which it is allowed under European Union rules.

The Scottish Government expect to have 90 per cent of the cash issued by the end of 2010 and all payments to be made by the end of January 2011

The rural affairs secretary, Richard Lochhead, commented that in the sixth year of the SFP and it will be the fourth year in a row the Scottish Government are on track to pay in excess of 70 per cent of eligible claims right at the start of the payment process.

He added that he wanted to see the current performance improved in the future as "quick and efficient payment helps our farmers ensure they are in a strong position going into the year ahead".

A spokesman for NFU Scotland welcomed the announcement of the speedy payments saying that it is especially so as farmers are already facing a raft of rapidly increasing costs. "With many of the costs associated with farming rising rapidly _ feed, fuel, fertiliser and bedding _ and snow already on the ground in many parts of the country, it will be a comfort to many farmers and crofters heading into the winter knowing that these lifeline payments will be made in the next few days and weeks."