Funding

Figures from April 2024 suggests that the current scheme had provided direct one-to-one support to over 12,000 businesses so far. The FFRF runs until March 2025

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said the UK Government must increase funding for farming to at least pre-Brexit levels

Defra says programme offers more opportunity for farmers across the industry - who will it help?

"This support is not only important for farmers and crofters producing a fantastic product from some of the toughest farmland, but also to the local communities which see a huge amount of reinvestment from these businesses"

"Farmers and crofters must prioritise these annual application forms in the next few days"

Daera said farm businesses which have not yet applied are urged to do so now to avoid late claim penalties and to allow enough time to check that their information is accurate

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said Steve Barclay had been clear the Government would continue the BPS phase-out, and the union are considering how hard they are prepared to ‘fight' on the issue

NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said the ‘delayed' release of the Sea Eagle Management Scheme had been ‘enormously disappointing'

Defra said farmers can now apply for support which could help growers manage their water resources 'better' for use when droughts occurs