Loan scheme to ease farming cash flow concerns opens on Monday

A Scottish Government-backed loan scheme aimed at easing cash flow issues in Scottish agriculture will open for applications on Monday.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead announced last week that the Scottish Government is making £20 million available to help farmers and crofters facing hardship while waiting for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments.

Under the scheme, farmers and crofters who have not yet received a first instalment, and cannot access support from their bank, can come to the Scottish Government for a fast-tracked interest-free cash advance worth 60 per cent of their CAP claim, up to a maximum of £20,000.

Application forms will be available from the Rural Payments and Services website or by calling the RPID customer helpline on 0300 300 2222.