Scottish farmers and crofters have been granted a one month extension to the deadline for submitting the vital Single Application Form (SAF).
Farm minister Richard Lochhead has confirmed the Scottish Government was taking up the offer to extend the deadline to June 15, subject to EU approval of the extension option next week.
He said the extended deadline would benefit farmers and crofters who have raised concerns over the flexibility of the new application system, and pledged to make every effort to stick to the payment schedule.
“As part of our efforts to make payments as soon as possible we will look at all flexibilities permitted within the EU rules and I strongly encourage the EU to give additional flexibility, particularly around the inspection regime which has already been called for by other member states,” added Mr Lochhead.
“Of course, paper copies of the forms have always been and continue to be available to farmers and crofters. We will also continue to respond to reports of issues with the IT system as quickly as we can and liaise regularly with industry representatives to ensure the views of farmers and crofters are taken on board every step of the way.”
Government said although the SAF deadline had been extended, the closing date for applications to the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme would remain June 12.
NFU Scotland welcomed the extended SAF deadline but urged farmers not to use it as a reason to stall filling out application forms now.
The union’s chief executive Scott Walker said: “With the extension announced, we would urge farmers not to put the brakes on the application process and delay it until the last minute. This is a new scheme and a new application process and claimants must make allowances on the time it may take to complete it successfully. The sooner they start, the earlier any problems will be identified and help can be sought.”
The union would continue to press the Scottish and Westminster Governments to secure the option from Europe to make partial payments in December, should payment delays be likely, he added.
“It [partial payments] would provide a useful contingency in the event that the normal December payment run is unachievable,” said Mr Walker.