Farmers need confirmation of SAF deadlines — McArthur

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has highlighted the problems faced by isles-based farmers in submitting applications for support under the new CAP regime.

A new IT system for dealing with the Single Application Forms (SAF) has suffered a number of failures, leading to huge frustration amongst farmers and their agents trying to submit applications online,  Mr McArthur said.

He also said that the branch of the NFUS in Orkney has raised concerns about the overall complexity of the SAF, and the difficulties faced in meeting the tight deadlines set by the Scottish Government.

Mr McArthur sought confirmation from the Agriculture Secretary, Richard Lochhead that he is looking at the possibility of extending the deadline by a month, in light of these problems and confirmation from the European Commission that such a delay is possible.

Commenting after the exchange at Topical Questions this afternoon, Mr McArthur responded to Mr Lochhead admitting that only around 50 farmers have so far managed to submit SAF applications. Over 22,000 farmers in Scotland are expected to complete the process over the next few weeks.

Mr McArthur said:  “I know from speaking to the NFUS in Orkney as well as individual farmers themselves that the complexity of the new forms and new rules is adding to the problems created by the IT failures.

“The sense of frustration is understandable, as is the anxiety about what will happen if the tight deadlines are not met.

“The European Commission has already confirmed that delaying the deadline for applications by a month is possible.

“Mr Lochhead needs to make clear whether or not this is something he plans to take advantage of so that farmers can plan ahead with some confidence.

“Access to these funds is absolutely critical for Orkney’s farming community.  Getting the new scheme right, therefore, is the highest priority, even if this takes a little more time.”