Thousands of farms receive support payments in Scotland and NI

More than 11,500 farm businesses in Scotland have been sent support payments early by the Scottish government.

Roughly £243m has been provided as initial payments to Scottish farmers and crofters through the Basic Payment Scheme.

Scottish rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said farmers should begin to receive payments from 4 September and that staff would work through any remaining payments in the coming weeks.

See also: SFI 2024 changes: What they mean for arable farmers

Ms Gougeon added: “I am determined to give Scotland’s farmers and crofters the support they need, so we have started payments in September again to help provide greater security amid continued challenges in the sector.”

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy welcomed the early payments by the Scottish government.

“The constant weather challenges faced by many mean that this is likely to have been a costly spring and summer, and cash flow will have been an issue for some.

“The arrival of support payments will also be welcome by the wider rural economy, as bills with suppliers are settled and plans for investment made.”

Support for sheep farmers

Support payments to encourage sheep production in the Scottish uplands are also open for applications until 30 November.

The £6m Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme provides eligible businesses with financial support, and the Scottish government has committed to deliver the scheme each year until at least 2026.

More than 1,100 farm businesses received support through the scheme last year, with a payment rate of £61.38 for eligible ewes.

NFU Scotland’s less favoured areas committee chair and hill farmer Peter Kennedy said: “We want to see coupled support for the sheep sector continue, as this will ensure active livestock grazing, particularly in extensive systems, is encouraged and supported.”

Northern Ireland

Almost £260m in direct payments were made to farmers in Northern Ireland on 2 September by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

Daera minister Andrew Muir said: “I am delighted to announce £258.4m of direct payments have [been] issued to 23,254 farmers, representing 98% of eligible applicants, on the first day of 2024 payments.

“I am committed to ensuring both the environmental and economic sustainability of Northern Ireland’s significant agriculture sector, and my department continues to deliver for hard-working farming families.”

Ulster Farmers Union president William Irvine thanked Daera for providing “crucial” financial support to farms.

Mr Irvine added: “This year to date, has thrown many challenges at our members, from unpredictable weather to poor farmgate prices and increased input costs. This payment will assist farmers cashflow, helping to sustain farm businesses as they continue to produce high-quality food for consumers.”