Dairy farmers have less than three days left to apply for their share of £2.4million EU funding.
The funding forms part of a European-wide £350million fund, established last year, to “contribute to market stabilisation”. The UK was allocated £25million, and Scotland’s share is £2.4million.
More than 500 of Scotland’s 900 dairy farmers have applied for payments and NFU Scotland is now urging all remaining producers to get their applications in before the May 1 deadline.
Under the terms of the Scottish scheme, the highest payment rate of £4,000 is available to farmers on Bute, Arran, Mull, and the Kintyre peninsula to protect the supply base for the Campbeltown creamery.
Farmers who were paid a milk price of less than 20p per litre during 2016 can receive £3,250; farmers who were receiving under 25p could get £2,000 each, while those farmers who received 25p per litre or more can receive £1,000.
Producers who apply for support must commit to simple production profiling and milk recording in order to qualify for support.
NFU Scotland’s milk policy manager, George Jamieson, said: “The good news is that Scottish dairy farmers are now cracking on with their applications. For those still to apply, can I remind them that valuable financial support is available to them through this scheme and I remind them that the deadline is Monday May 1.
“We urge those still to apply to get a copy of the application form, read the guidance and apply. The funds are significant, particularly for those who have been receiving the poorest milk prices over a prolonged period, and the wider benefits on production profiling and milk recording we believe could be of lasting benefit.”
An application form can be downloaded electronically or requested from local SGRPID offices. Guidance on the scheme is also available from the Scottish Dairy Hub.
