An extra £190million in Cap support could he heading Scotland’s way following a pledge by the Prime Minister to deliver “extra support” to Scottish farmers.
Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions, David Cameron said the government was making sure there will be “extra support for Scottish farmers absolutely in line with what the Scottish Government is asking for”.
A spat between the UK and Scottish Governments erupted during the allocation of Cap budgets.
Scots farm minister Richard Lochhead has long accused Westminster of ‘stealing’ nearly £190million in convergence uplift – funds awarded to top up Scotland’s per hectare direct payments.
Mr Cameron’s comments suggest convergence uplift could be back on the table, marking the second turnaround in agri-politics this week.
UK Environment Secretary Owen Paterson confirmed on Monday that Scotland would be allowed to increase the amount of its budget it uses for coupling from 8% to 13%.
This follows months of to-ing and fro-ing between the Scottish and UK Governments and the European Commission, with the plans originally thought to be approved, then ruled out and now approved once again.
Mr Lochhead this week said he was seeking clarity from Westminster as to whether the Prime Minister’s comments referred to convergence funds.
“I hope this is a signal that the Prime Minister has at long last seen sense that the vital Cap funds, which the UK only receives in the first place because of Scotland’s low payments, will now be available to Scotland’s farmers,” said Mr Lochhead.
“With cross-party support in Scotland, and the strong support of the farming industry in Scotland, we have consistently made the case that these funds should be invested in Scottish farming. In the Prime Minister’s own words that would be “absolutely in line with what the Scottish Government is asking for”.”
He said convergence uplift was the only extra support the Scottish Government had asked the UK government for, and any move to reinstate these funds would be welcomed.