Scottish farmers to receive support payments worth £243m amid extreme weather struggles

Thousands of Scottish farming businesses will receive support payments worth £243m in the coming weeks.

This is the second support payment to be issued to farmers after the Scottish Government first brought the payments forward in 2022 to help with the transition from European Union’s CAP Payment system.

The Government said that farmers should begin to receive payments from September 4 with it being deposited to more than 11,500 businesses.

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said she was “determined” to give farmers and crofters the support they need.

National Farmers’ Union Scotland president Martin Kennedy welcomed the payment.

He said that the constant weather challenges means it has likely been a “costly” spring and summer for many farmers.

“We welcome Scottish Government, for the second year in a row, delivering on its commitment to ensure support payments arrive in the majority of farming and crofting bank accounts at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

“That is great news for the Scottish economy. Across the sector as a whole, every £1 of government funded direct payments into Scottish farming and crofting generates £6 of agricultural output.”

The Basic Payment Scheme acts as a safety net for farmers and crofters by supplementing their main business income.

The Greening payments encourage agricultural practices that benefit the environment and climate.

Gougeon added: “In total, the initial payments are worth approximately £243m and will be paid to over 11,500 businesses across Scotland.

“Rural Payments and Inspections Division staff will continue to work through remaining payments as soon as possible over the coming weeks.”