Crofters are experiencing cash flow problems and difficulty accessing labour during the Covid-19 crisis, according to the Scottish Crofting Federation.
The organisation’s chairman, Yvonne White, said a survey of its members revealed that more than a third are worried about their cash flow during the coronavirus pandemic.
“This would normally be the time of year to start seeing money coming back in after the long winter, but it is not materialising,” said Ms White.
“Many crofters supply food and accommodation to the local market.
“Abattoirs have not been taking private kills, hotels and restaurants are closed and on-croft accommodation bookings are cancelled.”
She said one respondent reported having to give away all the eggs from 250 hens that are normally supplied to hotels and restaurants.
And another reported difficulty getting contractors and materials for essential work such as fencing.
While another reported problems accessing financial assistance for the loss of holiday rental income as it was not their main occupation, and still more told of a shortage of help on crofts including volunteers, students and family.
Ms White encouraged all crofters to complete the survey, regardless of whether they are SCF members or not.
“We need the information to feed into Scottish Government policy as we attempt to keep up Scottish food production in this very difficult time,” she added.
“It is obvious that crofters are suffering financial hardship due to the situation.
“As a gesture SCF will not be applying the annual inflationary subscription increase next week, but crofters still need concessions and targeted help from government if we are to survive this.”
The survey can be accessed online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/scfmembers