Key Consultation Opens on LFASS for the Farming Industry

By theorkneynews on June 22, 2018

The great uncertainty hanging over Scotland’s farming industry has had a chink of hope this week with the announcement by the Scottish Government of a consultation which proposes that Less Favoured Area Support will continue at 80% for 2 years after the UK leaves the EU.

You can respond to the consultation here: Support for Agriculture and the Rural Economy – Post Brexit Transition

Closing date for submissions is Friday 7th of September.

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

“LFASS is vital for our rural economy and remote communities, which is why I have decided to continue with the scheme in 2019 even though the UK Government has stopped its support.

“Providing support to more than 11,000 farmers and crofters, the scheme will continue with payments at the maximum that EU rules allow, which is 80%. I am also actively consulting with stakeholders on how farmers and crofters about the shape of future support for the industry, including those producers in Less Favoured Areas, as part of the recently launched Post Brexit Transition consultation.

“Unfortunately, I am unable to provide further certainty beyond 2019 as, despite repeated requests, the UK Government has still not given clear assurances on post-Brexit guarantees. While I continue to press them to do so, I hope this announcement will provide stability of funding and support for our farmers and crofters.”

Scottish Government Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services

The table above shows how important continuing to receive support is for Scotland’s farmers with 86% of our agricultural land being within the scheme.

Threat to Scottish Farming as the UK Government is Set to Take Back Control

You can watch the full statement by Fergus Ewing here:

Ministerial Statement: The Future of Scottish Agricultural Support – 20 June 2018

A recent report of the Farming industry in Scotland was recently published which was covered in The Orkney News: Future Farming: “No Change is Not an Option”