Start of single farm payments
Published at 21:37, Wednesday, 14 December 2011
PAUL Wheelhouse, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has highlighted the start of the current single farm payment scheme.
Three quarters of single farm payment recipients will have begun receiving their payments from December 1, which means 14,300 farmers can look forward to receiving a share of £335m.
Mr Wheelhouse, who is also parliamentary liaison officer to rural affairs cabinet secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: “I am delighted the Scottish government is keeping up its track record of starting single farm payments dead on time.
“The single farm payments are vital for Scottish Borders farmers as they provide a boost not only for the farms themselves but also the whole rural economy.
“This year, for the first time, farmers registered with Rural Payments Online will be able to view their single farm payments online up to seven days before it is credited to their bank accounts.
“The SNP government appreciate that this is an extremely important time of the year for farmers, which is why it’s keen to make special efforts to process payments promptly.
“With another harsh winter forecast, it is important for farmers to be able to prepare adequately for the conditions they face by getting in enough feed, fuel, fertiliser and bedding.
“Knowing these payments will be made in good time and with a new online viewing platform will bring some comfort to farmers, who are in one of our hardest working industries.”
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