Rural Payments and Services

Farmers and crofters working in remote areas with restrictions on their land are set to receive essential income support.

The latest tranche of funding from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) is set to arrive in bank accounts from today.

Over £56 million in support has been given to over 9000 claimants which represents 94% of those eligible to receive the funding. Over 92% of the anticipated payments for the scheme are set to be distributed.

This funding is part of the Scottish Government’s agricultural support payments strategy, agreed earlier this year.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“It is no secret that it has been a challenging year for our agricultural sector. Uncertainties caused by Brexit, recent extreme weather events and the effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis have continued to hit our communities.”

“By issuing payments as early as possible this year, we are giving our farmers and crofters much need financial certainty at a time when it is needed most.

“This is the latest example of this government’s ongoing ambition to develop and maintain a future payments system that will help Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.”