Rural Community Gateway

NFU Scotland have called the package "an immediate lifeline" for Scotland’s farmers, but have stressed that this money will not cover the losses being faced. NFU Scotland have estimated that a £50-60 million package would be needed in Scotland to cover initial losses.

Outlining details of the Scottish Government support, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said, "No-one should underestimate the severe consequences this outbreak in the south of England has had on the entire livestock industry in Scotland.

"The moral and financial responsibility for this clearly lies with the UK Government.

"However, the Scottish Government cannot and will not stand idly by and watch this vital industry go into meltdown.

"This package is not about subsidies. It is targeted at sheep farmers and crofters who, through no fault of their own, have suffered most.

It balances immediate relief with longer term-term support for the future. Above all, it is what Scotland desperately needs at this time and this is what we will deliver for Scotland."

Industry on the brink of viability

Mr Lochhead added, "The timing of the outbreak could not have been worse, particularly for the sheep sector where normally over a million sheep move from the hills and islands to market and lower ground in September and October.

"To an industry already pressed by higher costs through, for example, grain prices and generally low commodity prices, the impact of the outbreak is pushing many individual farm businesses to the brink of viability."

The package will see payments of £6 a head for breeding ewes, at an estimated cost of £19 million. £60,000 will go to the Royal Highland Education Trust to help raise the profile of Scottish food and farming in the wider community. RSABI, the charity which helps those who depend on the land for a living will receive £200,000 to help individuals in need of support. You can find out more about the aid package on the Scottish Government website and more about RSABI in the Gateway article RSABI  Foot and Mouth hardship fund.

Rescue package is not compensation for losses

Reacting to the announcement NFUS President Jim McLaren said, "The Scottish Government has stepped in today to provide a financial lifeline to the sheep industry, which has been devastated over the last few weeks.  The crippling movement restrictions, twinned with a collapse in the price of lamb, has threatened the whole future of the sheep industry with the very real likelihood that our breeding flock, upon which the future rests, would disappear this Winter.

"Today’s rescue package is just that.  It is not compensation for losses, which go far higher than the money announced today.  For a farmer with a 1000 breeding sheep, he will be facing losses in excess of £20,000.  This aid package would put £6000 into that business.  That may just be enough to cover the bills he’s facing now and bring some immediate relief, but it doesn’t get close to addressing his losses."

Less favoured area scheme

The Scottish Government is urging farmers to give their Less Favoured Area Scheme applications forms early attention. Around 13,000 farmers may be eligible for a share of the £60 million scheme.

Most farmers will receive their application pack by post and have until 16th November 2007 to return them. Applications received after this date will be subject to a penalty and those received after 11th December will be rejected.

Farmers who have not received their forms in the post by the end of October should contact their area office where application forms are available.

Find out more on the Scottish Government website.

Related articles

Gateway articles on current outbreak

Emergency welfare scheme for light lambs
Markets to resume following Foot and Mouth outbreak
Scotland faces animal welfare crisis
Crofting Foundation call for animal movement timetable
Foot and mouth text alerts available
New Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey

Gateway articles on August 2007 outbreak

Animal movement ban update
Further relaxation of animal movement ban
Animal movement ban relaxed in Scotland
Agricultural shows go on
Foot and mouth update
Animal movement ban imposed following Foot and Mouth outbreak

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