Funding for farmers and crofters welcomed by north MSP

A NORTH MSP has welcomed the news that funding for farmers and crofters to help keep Scotland’s food production going during the pandemic has been delivered ahead of schedule.

Maree Todd, the SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said so far more than 95 per cent of Basic Payment Support, Greening and Young Farmer payments have been made, four months ahead of the regulatory requirement. The payments were introduced in December last year and have so far paid out almost £400 million.

Ms Todd, the SNP candidate for the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross seat in May Scottish Parliamentary elections, said: "It has been a monumental effort to ensure our farmers and crofters across the Highlands and Islands receive their payments from the Scottish Government. Now, more than ever, we must keep money flowing into our rural communities."

She said the past year has been "extremely difficult for the food production industry" as they have had to suffer the double-whammy of Covid and Brexit.

"Our farming communities deserve the nation’s thanks, throughout this pandemic they have maintained essential supply chains and kept food on our plates.

"I would now urge farmers and crofters to ensure they submit their Single Application Form 2021 applications as soon as they can to make sure they receive their payments for this year."

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