18,000 farmers in Scotland will receive their CAP  Pillar 1 funding over the next few months with some as soon as 24th April. The payments which are worth over £300million are the final amounts of the 2017 year. Due to considerable delays in payments last year the Scottish Government instigated a loan scheme to bridge the funding gap.

Fergus Ewing , Rural Economy Secretary in the Scottish Government said:

“I can confirm that the first tranche of Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer payments for the 2017 scheme year have now begun.

“These payments will see farmers and crofters receive the final balance of payments, following my decision last year to provide a loan scheme worth up to 90% of their entitlement.

“This decision meant that farmers were paid a higher proportion of their entitlement at an earlier time than ever before, ensuring no eligible farmer who accepted the offer of a loan was out of pocket.

“With further tranches being made in the coming weeks and months, I am confident that the vast majority of farmers and crofters will receive their payments by the end of the payment window, demonstrating my absolute commitment to support our rural business and communities.”