Rural Payments and Services

Loan offer letters for the National Basic Payment Support Scheme issued today.

Almost 14,000 farmers and crofters will receive an offer of a loan providing them with up to 90% of their anticipated CAP payment this week, which will inject more than £259 million into the rural economy.

Confirming the commencement of loan offers being issued, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Having listened to industry concerns and following months of adverse weather conditions, I can confirm that the first direct loan offers for 2018 will begin to arrive this week offering farmers, crofters and rural businesses early access to support worth more than a quarter of a billion Pounds.

“Only last week, I heard from the NFUS and crofters in Grantown-on-Spey how this money will help support their colleagues feeling the effects of increased feed and fodder prices as a result of the recent adverse weather.

“While we will work to continue to make offers to the remaining eligible businesses, I would encourage anyone who wishes to apply for a loan to do so as quickly as possible.”