QMS welcomes Scottish Government announcement to bring forward payment schedule

Today Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, confirmed changes to the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Greening payment strategy as farm payment dates will be brought forward to September. This is a welcome effort to support Scottish farmers with cash flow and increased cost of living.

The changes are subject to the approval of the Scottish Parliament and will give farmers and crofters an advance payment for the BPS and Greening one month earlier than originally planned.

Chair of QMS , Kate Rowell said:

“This is a welcome announcement for the farming industry in Scotland given the increased rise in fuel, fertiliser and energy costs.

"It is positive to see that the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands has listened to representatives from the farming and crofting communities to bring forward the payment start date which will assist with cash flow challenges which are anticipated over the coming months.”

For more information, visit the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Services website: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/