The Scottish Government last night announced plans for a new £250,000 fund to help farmers and crofters offset the cost of retrieving fallen livestock.
The fund, which will be managed by National Fallen Stock Company, comes in the wake of the recent wintry weather which has wreaked havoc on farms and crofts up and down the country. “I’ve seen first-hand the massive impact that the prolonged wet and severe weather has been having on farmers, resulting in higher numbers of dead animals, and acute shortages in fodder across the country,’ said Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.
“We are already doing a lot to help farmers cope with the adverse conditions.
“This includes aiding cash flow through the LFASS and BPS loan schemes, providing specialist advice through our Farm Advisory Service, and actively seeking derogation from the European Commission from the three- crop rule. However, there is more that can, and must be done.
“As a result, I am announcing a further package of support to help farmers and crofters cope. This includes £250,000 to help offset part of the additional costs farmers have faced in the uplift and disposal of dead sheep and cattle.”
Mr Ewing also announced plans to award additional funding to rural charity RSABI.
