Smaller farms to benefit from new Scottish Beef Scheme
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A NEW scheme to guarantee financial support to the beef sector is being described as vital to the industry.
From the beginning of next year the Scottish Beef Scheme will be introduced to keep funding into the industry until new Common Agricultural Policy regulations come into force.
The scheme is designed to help beef producers who operate on small farms in hills and isolated areas where agricultural conditions are poor.
The new system will replace the Scottish Beef Calf Scheme which can no longer continue under CAP legislation.
Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said beef production is a crucial part of Scotland’s agriculture and Scotch Beef is renowned across the globe.
"Despite strong demand, many producers struggle to make a profit especially those with smaller extensive herds in less favoured areas," he said.
"The new Scottish Beef Scheme allows us to target funding towards smaller herds through reweighted payment levels, so that the first 10 eligible calves receive three times the payment rate for any subsequent calf. This will benefit the majority of claimants and is in line with the recommendations of the Pack Inquiry."
The Scottish Beef Calf Scheme was introduced in 2005 to protect and enhance the environment by supporting quality cattle grazing, particularly in remote and fragile areas.
