By Ewan Pate
THE Scottish Government has unveiled plans for a four-tier post-Brexit support scheme, but NFU Scotland warned there are still no detailed policy options on the table.
The proposals were set out in a new consultation on the content of the Scottish Agriculture Bill which, if farm support is to continue, must be on the statute book by sometime in 2023.
Launching the consultation on Monday (August 29), at Burghill Farms, Brechin, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: The consultation sets out the powers which we will need in the Act and sets out our proposals.
But NFUS president Martin Kennedy said it was deeply disappointing that the announcement was just more plans and declarations.
His comments came just weeks after the union was accused by former NFUS vice-president and Conservative MSP Peter Chapman of becoming emasculated by its proximity to Scottish Government.
Mr Kennedy said: With fertiliser 300 per cent higher than last year, electricity prices quadrupled and diesel costs through the roof, the industry does not have time to wait for detail.
Production is falling and we need the Scottish Government to say how it is going to halt this decline and give farmers the confidence to keep going for the future.
The consultation outlines a four-tier support system (see panel, below), with the first two tiers labelled as direct payments and the other two as indirect payments.
There is also to be a section in the Bill on changes to tenancy law. Previously, these have been considered under land reform legislation.
The proposed changes would make it easier for a tenant to diversify to meet climate change and biodiversity goals.
A new hybrid method of agreeing rents is suggested, as are new rules around waygo compensation.
Tiers of support
Tier One Base level direct payment. Will include fair work requirements, animal health and welfare declarations, carbon and soil audit declarations
Tier Two Additional direct payments for those implementing regenerative farming practices and reducing emissions
Tier Three Indirect payments, applied for on a competitive basis. Targeted at enhanced environmental and biodiversity actions
Tier Four A combination of competitive and non-competitive indirect payments. Coupled payment for cattle and sheep per head within a budget limit. Forestry planting and peatland restoration grants.
