As the deadline for online CAP payments passes, Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser is urging the Scottish Government to outline their strategy to ensure that farmers receive their CAP payments on time.
Problems with the new online application system saw the application deadline increase by a month, which expired last night at midnight, but there are now very real concerns that payments due in December, will also be delayed.
This would be a big blow to farmers and comes after it was revealed that the overall income from farming in Scotland fell by 17% from last year’s figures.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The online CAP system has been riddled with difficulties over the past few months and it was only by delaying the deadline and offering extra support that farmers were able to submit their forms on time.
“Now we are a month behind schedule, the Scottish Government must avoid further chaos and put the necessary measures in place to ensure that payments are made on time.
“It is already a difficult time for farmers, who have seen their incomes plummet in recent years. If CAP payments are delayed this will only make cash flow problems worse and could affect jobs.”
“Farmers deserve the assurance that if they submitted their form on time, they will get paid on time. The Scottish Government should learn from their mistake and make sure that this issue is given the necessary attention, sooner rather than later.”