Farmers and crofters urged to ‘join’ Scottish Government loan scheme
SCOTTISH FARMERS and crofters have started receiving loan scheme offer letters from the Scottish Government and are being asked to ‘sign up’.
The National Basic Payment Support Scheme (NPBS) 2020 offers beneficiaries the opportunity to receive up to 95% of their basic and greening payments in advance.
Read more – ScotGov farm loan scheme back for another year
Around 17,300 businesses are expected to receive a loan offer and around 16,000 letters are in the first round. Those wishing to accept the offer and receive payment without delay are asked to respond by September 4 and, as with previous loan programs, opt-in acceptance is simple and can be completed by email or by mail. All payments will be made in pounds sterling.
NFU Scotland Chairman Andrew McCornick said: “The announcement that the vast majority of Scottish farmers and crofters can access 95% of their BPS and Greening payments from September this year will add certainty and stability to Scottish agriculture and the wider rural community. big change.
“Previous loan programs have provided an invaluable boost to the rural economy each fall, spurring investment in farms and small farms across the country. This year, as we recover from Covid-19, the program will also provide much needed cash flow ahead of an uncharted winter which will no doubt be dominated by Brexit,” he continued.
“The Scottish Government’s ability to deliver this loan scheme several weeks earlier than previous loan schemes is also a testament to the commitment and hard work undertaken by farmers and crofters, Scottish Government officials and SGRPID staff. to meet the SAF application deadline of May 15, despite the unprecedented circumstances this year.
Read more – Scottish farmers have passed the May SAF deadline
“I urge everyone to join this year’s program and do so by email whenever possible to ensure payments are processed and made as soon as possible,” he concluded.