Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme Payments underway ahead of schedule

Around 7,000 specialist beef producers will benefit from payments worth around £40 million in the coming weeks.

The Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme supports producers breeding beef calves from suckler cows.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“Suckler herds form the backbone of quality beef production in Scotland, and I can confirm that the first tranche of the 2018 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme payments is due to begin shortly.

“These payments will aid farmers cash flow, providing a welcome boost to the rural economy while also helping to support farmers who are producing the quality meat products that Scotland is globally renowned for.

“With further payments being made in the coming weeks, I am confident that the majority of awards will be made by the end of the payment window. However, with Brexit continuing to present the biggest threat to the industry, the Scottish Government continues to work with others to further extend Article 50 to avoid a catastrophic ‘no deal’ outcome and allow time for a second referendum on EU membership.”