Less Favoured Area payments to begin

The Scottish Government has confirmed that its Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) 2013 payments will start to arrive in bank accounts from today, Tuesday March 11.

The announcement was made earlier today by Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead

The Scottish Government has authorised payment of 10,400 claims, worth some £58 million. That equates to around 92 per cent of potentially eligible claimants for the scheme, which is worth £65.5 million in total.

Mr Lochhead said:“The vast majority of agricultural land in Scotland is at a natural disadvantage which means our farmers and crofters are working in some of the most challenging conditions in Europe. Payments from the Scottish Government’s Less Favoured Area Support Scheme are therefore absolutely vital for Scottish food production and our rural communities.

“The fact that payments from the 2013 scheme have now started and will reach 92 per cent of claimants in the first week is good news for our farmers, crofters and the wider rural economy. My officials will continue to work hard to ensure the remaining payments are made as quickly as possible.”