There is great uncertainty over when the farm support will be paid
At least 3000 farmers are still waiting to receive any Basic Payment support from the Scottish Government.
The latest figures indicate that 12,071 farmers have received part payment and 3300 have received cash through the Government’s £200million emergency national funding scheme.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Willie Rennie claimed the statistics proved the Scottish Government still hadn’t “got to grips” with the problem caused by the flawed £178million IT system, which has come under repeated fire from opposition politicians as well as farmers and crofters.
“If they don’t pay the farmers soon they’ll be at risk of incurring penalties of £50million from the EU, so it could get even worse,” he said.
“It’s also having a knock on effect on Pillar 2 payments, so that system could also be delayed. The problems are mounting and the Scottish Government is not on top of the situation yet.”
Mr Rennie added that there was “great uncertainty” in the farming community over when the balance of the money due would be paid.
He said: “In terms of investment and confidence there is still considerable worry. And concern that future payments – even next year – will be paid on time.”
