Rural Payments and Services

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“I welcome the increase in overall income from farming across Scotland in 2016. As the cornerstone of the rural economy, it is important that agriculture performs well."

“Of course, these figures show varying financial success from sector to sector and we can see that in some areas, exchange rate movements influence income levels for our hard working farmers."

“Historically, support payments from the EU have played a significant role in farm profits and the Total Income From Farming balance sheets show us that this is continues to be very much the case."

"Given the importance of these payments, the Scottish Government is pushing Westminster
for further clarity on the future of rural funding."

“Profits are dependent on driving down output costs, and it is important farmers continue to do everything they can to improve efficiency."

"The Scottish Government is supporting the industry to do this through initiatives like the Beef Efficiency Scheme."

"Diversifying activity in rural communities is paying dividends too, and I would encourage farmers to consider the opportunities available through the likes of tourism, renewables and forestry.”