Scotland: National Rural Network
Connecting Rural Scotland - Promoting Rural Growth

More than 7,500 Scottish producers will receive their share of £23.4 million of European funding this week from the 2009 Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (SBCS). The Scottish Beef Calf Scheme is a direct support scheme aimed at specialist beef producers breeding beef calves from suckler cows. Suckler herds form the backbone of quality beef production in Scotland and provide environmental benefits in fragile areas.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"These payments will provide vital support and deliver great benefit for our livestock sector, following a turbulent winter and the impact of severe weather on many farmers. I am sure they will be welcomed by Scotland's quality beef producers, following on from the Single Farm Payments at the end of last year and the Less Favoured Area Support payments at the start of this year."