Rural Payments and Services

The 2023 Rural Payments Strategy published in February made a commitment to commence BPS and Greening advance payments in September.

Processing of these payments has started and will begin to reach farmers and crofters bank accounts from Tuesday 12 September.

In total, the initial payments are worth approximately £288 million and will be paid to over 13,000 businesses across Scotland.

Businesses are reminded to check their contact and funding details are up-to-date to avoid delays in receiving payments. The responsible person for the business can do this by logging into Rural Payments and Services (RP&S).

Please be aware that a new bank account will not be activated to receive payments until 11 calendar days after the change is saved.

AECS 2024 round

The Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) was launched to promote land management practices which protect and enhance Scotland’s natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to climate change.

It was announced in the 2023-24 Programme for Government (PfG) that a new round of AECS will open in 2024 to support actions to tackle climate change, cut emissions, and restore nature.

To date £285 million has been committed to over 3,000 businesses through AECS to fund a range of activities that help to maintain and enhance our rich and varied natural environment.

Background

Increased rates for Basic Payment Scheme and Greening 2023 – ruralpayments.org