Setting the record straight

NFU Scotland is acutely aware of the challenges facing our crofters and hill farmers in the LFA. Considering ongoing IT failures, we were a single voice in pushing for a loan scheme to deliver LFASS payments this year. Scottish Government has now responded to our direct request with loan scheme letters now issued.

Looking further ahead, the 80 percent parachute payment being introduced for LFA support in 2018 – while far from ideal - was the only real option available that would support active crofters and hill farmers.

Some have wrongly claimed that a move to an Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme would have given more funding to those in more remote areas. Any new scheme brings a redistribution of funds and there may have been some winners. However, an ANC scheme would have seen a far greater number of losers and these would predominantly have been those crofters and farmers who are most active. Contrary to some statements, this approach would also have seen more currently ineligible land brought into the scheme, not less.

As a result, payments to many hard-working crofts and hill farms would have been diluted by a larger area being eligible. The potential flattening of payments would have discriminated against those who are active and we simply can neither afford nor justify supporting inactivity. Firstly, this is tax payers’ money so we must justify what benefits that support delivers. Secondly, it would be a real kick in the teeth to those crofters and hill farmers who are working hard with livestock to see a neighbour who has virtually no stock receive the same payment.

NFU Scotland was totally opposed to any reduction in LFA support, but doing nothing was not an option. If, during the time we have left in Europe, we want to receive the vast majority of this vital funding then we must still comply with EU rules or it will put all rural development funding at serious risk.

NFU Scotland ultimately must look at what is best for the whole industry and all its crofters and hill farmers and, without question, the parachute payment is the best option open to us if we are to retain a critical mass of crofters and farmers producing livestock for our markets, supporting the rural economy and the local infrastructure.

The remaining 20% will remain within the Rural Development pot and targeting it back into our businesses will be vital.

NFU Scotland will be sending information on the new LFASS arrangements to all its crofting members this week. If non-members would like that information, then contact Lucy Sumsion, Crofting Policy Manager at NFU Scotland.

Without question the whole area of support in the future will be changing. There is the opportunity post-Brexit to develop a package that truly supports and reflects the activity of all farmers and crofters in our remoter and more disadvantaged areas. That is what NFU Scotland will strive for on behalf of its members - crofters and farmers and alike.

Martin Kennedy,

Lurgan,

Aberfeldy

Vice president NFU Scotland and chairman LFA committee