SUPPORT payments to Scotland's hill farmers are to reduce by 20% this year – but Rural Economy Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing has now given his 'absolute commitment' to find a way to prevent that figure going any lower in subsequent years.

Last week, it was stated that 2019's shrinkage of the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme budget to 80% of the current £65 million would be followed in 2020 with a further reduction to just 40% of that figure.

However, speaking during Thursday's Holyrood debate on Scottish agriculture policy, Mr Ewing veered away from that earlier position, and instead bolstered his promise to keep pushing for further 'flexibility' in setting the LFASS rates for 2020, and raised the possibility that they may yet be returned to their previous level.

“As I have previously said, any additional funding arising from the convergence review, will be prioritised for this purpose – if there is sufficient monies, we will effectively reinstate LFASS funding levels to 100%," he told the parliament. "In the meantime, I remain absolutely committed to maintaining LFASS at the 80% funding level into 2020.

“I was pleased last year that the EU delayed the changes to LFASS, meaning that we were able to continue to pay 100%, helping rural businesses with cash flow for the coming year," said Mr Ewing. "However, the reduction to payment rates for 2019 and 2020 is required by EU law, though the change in payment levels will not affect farmers and crofters who receive the minimum payment of £385, as this is not being reduced.

“The continuing uncertainty over Brexit is not helpful. We are having to transition out of LFASS without being able to create a new system to move into. I consulted industry bodies and key influencers on moving to the Area of Natural Constraint scheme shortly after the EU referendum vote and the majority response was not to do so, particularly in the light of Brexit," he added.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick wasted no time in cementing Mr Ewing's words as the industry's ongoing expectation: “NFUS welcomes the ‘absolute’ commitment made today by the Cabinet Secretary that LFA support payments will be at least 80% of 2018 payments in 2019 and 2020.

“However, any shortfall in LFA support remains completely unacceptable to NFUS. It is imperative that the Cabinet Secretary and his officials continue to work with ourselves, to make up any shortfall and to fully restore the LFASS budget back to £65million," he added.