More than 1200 farmers face BPS payment hold due to FFIS checks

Figures supplied to The Scottish Farmer show that, on September 1, a total of 1,293 BPS claimants still required verification.

Of those, 693 had submitted evidence and were awaiting assessment, while 600 had yet to submit the information needed to validate their FFIS claim.

There is a back log of forms to processed to validate FFIS claims and a significant number of claimants have not submitting their evidence. (Image: Getty Images)

While Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie stressed that no payments have technically been delayed because the BPS payment window runs until June 2027, affected businesses could miss out on the early autumn payments many have become accustomed to receiving in recent years.

Successful FFIS applicants must provide evidence that approved items have been purchased, paid for and, where required, installed.

Verification checks can include invoices, receipts, proof of payment and geotagged photographs showing grant-supported investments are located on the farm or croft.

Scottish Government uses geotagged images to verify that investments are in the agreed location.

In a letter to claimants, Scottish Government said: "Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and other agricultural support payments will remain on hold until your FFIS evidence has been assessed, and we have confirmed compliance with the grant conditions."

When The Scottish Farmer spoke to farm advisers and farmers, many described the verification process as cumbersome while accepting that a level of auditing was necessary when public money was involved.

Farmers said requests for geotagged photographs showing equipment situated on farm had proven difficult for some applicants.

Geotagged images are used by Scottish Government to verify that grant-supported investments are in the agreed location.

Applicants must also provide proof that approved purchases have been paid for.

FFIS assessments may also include verification of Whole Farm Plan requirements.

Farmers who claimed BPS in 2025 and declared Whole Farm Plan audits or plans on their Single Application Form (SAF) may be asked to provide evidence showing these were completed and valid on May 15, 2025.

Letters warning of a potential hold on support payments have been received by farmers who submitted verification information in the spring.

Farmers and advisers report a mixed picture across the country, with some local RPID offices appearing to process claims more quickly than others.

Following the issue of the latest letter, a rush of additional FFIS evidence submissions was reported, with local offices advising applicants that assessments are being processed in chronological order.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: "No payments have been delayed as the payment window for BPS runs between September and June, though we do try to process as many claims as quickly as possible so applicants receive early funding from September.

"Verification that the FFIS grant conditions have been met by those sharing the £21.4 million programme is required before BPS claims can be processed.

Hedge planting was an option to claim through FFIS (Image: Getty Images)

"Once verification of the FFIS investments is complete, the BPS payment can progress through the normal payment process and we will work to ensure this reaches applicants as soon as possible."

An NFU Scotland spokesperson said: "NFU Scotland is pressing RPID to complete FFIS verification checks as quickly as possible so that farmers and crofters are not left waiting for vital support payments.

"Where businesses have submitted the required evidence in good time, there is clear justification for ensuring they are not disadvantaged when it comes to receiving advance BPS and Greening payments.

"While we recognise the need for appropriate checks on public funding, the process must be delivered efficiently. These payments are important for business cashflow, and unnecessary delays create uncertainty for farming and crofting businesses.

"We are continuing to engage with Scottish Government and RPID to ensure outstanding cases are resolved as quickly as possible. At the same time, businesses that have yet to submit their FFIS evidence should do so without delay."