ALMOST £400m of Pillar 1 payments have reached the bank accounts of 16,931 agricultural businesses in Scotland – four months ahead of the June 30 deadline.

This equates to more than 95% of Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer payments being delivered ahead of regulatory requirement.

Welcoming the progress, cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing said: “Now, more than ever, it’s crucial we keep money flowing into our rural communities and keep funding our crofters and farmers.

“Despite the extraordinary challenges caused by the pandemic, I am delighted that we have delivered more than 95% – almost £400m – of area based Pillar 1 payments to more than 97% of our eligible farmers and crofters, four months ahead of the 30 June target.

“Our 2020 payment strategy continues on track to deliver the remaining Scheme payments as planned.

“Meeting these targets during a global health pandemic is a huge achievement,” he continued. “Working from home, our teams have ensured that payments are made swiftly.

“We will continue do everything we can to support farmers and crofters as we gradually and safely move out of lockdown.”

Mr Ewing is now urging farmers and crofters to submit their Single Application Form 2021 application as soon as possible, with the submissions window opening on March 15 and closing on May 17.

“In order to put us in the best position possible to make the coming year’s payments, I would like to ask farmers and crofters to submit their Single Application Form 2021 applications as soon as they can. Please don’t leave it to the last minute. The sooner the better.”

SACGS DEADLINE APPROACHES

Farmers and crofters have also been reminded to submit claim forms for the Sustainable Agricultural Capital Grant Scheme (SACGS) by March 31, even if they have not been able to purchase all the approved items yet.

Following huge interest in the scheme – 3,735 applications – Fergus Ewing announced an increase in the pot of available money from £10 million up to £18 million, to support farmers and crofters invest in new equipment to help reduce GHG emissions.

Successful applicants were recently informed that, due to supply issues, extra time will be permitted – up to September 30, 2021 – to purchase items.

Anyone who does not submit their claim by March 31 will no longer be eligible for grant support.

Claims must be submitted with invoices and proof of payment for the items purchased. For items not yet purchased, evidence must be supplied to confirm items have been ordered and an estimated date of delivery from the supplier.

SGRPID will initially pay for items purchased and will pay the remaining items once proof of purchase is provided – as long as submitted by September 30.

Anyone who has misplaced their claim form should contact their local SGRPID office to request a replacement.

Due to the continued Covid-19 restrictions, claim forms and supporting evidence should be returned by email to local SGRPID offices.