The paperwork which underpins the financial support for Scottish
agriculture has gone live on the Government’s rural payments website and farmers have been urged to complete their Single Applications Forms (SAF) as soon as possible.
Claims for support under the Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) Pillar 1 and 2 schemes need to be completed before midnight on May 15.
This is the first year in which SAF forms have not been automatically sent out by post, although the Scottish Government has said it will still accept paper applications from producers who contact their local area office.
Last year more than 75% of applicants submitted their SAF online.
Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing appealed to the industry not to wait until the last moment to submit their applications for support.
“Although we will still accept paper applications, the online system is specifically designed to simplify the process by automatically checking applications for errors – reducing the risk of financial penalties. Indeed, more than three-quarters of farmers and crofters benefited from submitting their SAF online last year, allowing for their application to be validated straightaway,” he said.
“Support is being offered to farmers, crofters and land managers who wish to make the switch to applying online – a move I would encourage everyone to consider.”
NFU Scotland (NFUS) president Andrew McCornick said: “The single application forms are the most important forms that Scottish farmers will fill out this year and I would like to encourage all of our members to complete their forms as soon as possible.
“A change to online from paper application has real benefits for those who can do it as it is doing checks throughout the process which will allow speedier processing for this essential support. It’s worth the effort and you will get an acknowledgement of receipt at the time of submission.
“Whether you are happy to switch to online or are sticking to paper, the important thing is to actually do it in plenty of time. Remember, it is the most important day’s work in any farmer’s year.”
nnicolson@thecourier.co.uk
