Rural Payments and Services

BPS loan scheme

Announcing that the 2017 BPS loan scheme is to close on 9th February, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“My priority is and will continue to be to protect and grow the rural economy. That is why, in September I announced a loan scheme for Basic Payments 2017, and I am pleased that more than 13,000 farmers and crofters have so far taken up that offer. This has injected over £300 million into the rural economy, earlier than ever before, helping to safeguard jobs and investment.

“However, I am conscious that some farmers and crofters have yet to take up the offer of a loan. Those who wish to do so, have until 9th February to confirm they wish to accept the offer that has been made to them. With two weeks until the scheme closes, I would therefore encourage all farmers and crofters, who are yet to accept the offer of a loan, to do so as soon as possible. This is their money. It does not take anything away from the NHS or other public services. Its theirs, they deserve it, and they should have it.”