THIS YEAR'S window to fill in Single Application Forms is now open (as of March 15) and will remain open to farmers, crofters and land managers until May 15.

The forms are crucial for ensuring applicants can claim support under the Common Agricultural Policy’s Pillar 1 and 2 schemes.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick stressed the importance of filling out these forms: “The Single Application Forms are the most important forms that Scottish farmers will fill out this year and I would like to encourage all of our members to complete their forms as soon as possible.

“This year is the first year in which forms have not been automatically sent out by post, with the Scottish Government trying to encourage farmers to complete their SAF online,” Mr McCornick continued.

“A change to online from paper application has real benefits for those who can do it, as it is doing checks throughout the process which will allow speedier processing for this essential support. It’s worth the effort and you will get an acknowledgement of receipt at the time of submission.

“Whether you are happy to switch to online or are sticking to paper, the important thing is to actually do it in plenty of time. Remember, it is the most important day’s work in any farmer’s year,” he emphasised.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing also suggested that farmers should strive to complete their form online if possible: “Although we will still accept paper applications, the online system is specifically designed to simplify the process by automatically checking applications for errors – reducing the risk of financial penalties. Indeed more than three quarters of farmers and crofters benefited from submitting their SAF online last year, allowing for their application to be validated straightaway.

“Support is being offered to farmers, crofters and land managers who wish to make the switch to applying online – a move I would encourage everyone to consider,” concluded Mr Ewing.