The new beef efficiency scheme aims to improve the efficiency, sustainability and quality of the Scottish beef herd, helping to increase profitability and cut greenhouse gas emissions – however so far only 637 from a potential pool of 8,000 producers have applied.
Encouraging calf producers to grasp the opportunity, rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The Scottish Government has earmarked up to £45m for the beef efficiency scheme, representing an unprecedented investment in the sector. The potential returns are significant, both for individual producers and for beef farming as a whole.
“Signing up makes sound business sense – eligible producers will receive financial support for improving the quality of their herd to increase on-farm efficiency and maximise profits. The longer-term environmental benefits are also sizeable.”
Ewing said that singing up for the scheme – through the ScotEID website – was quick and easy to do and added that applications would continue to be monitored to see if further action was needed to increase participation.
NFUS vice-president Rob Livesey said: “At this busy time of year we welcome the extension. This will allow farmers who wish to be part of scheme some extra time to sign up.”