THE Scottish Government has announce that the deadline for submitting Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) applications has been extended to Monday April 25, 2016.
The original application deadline was yesterday (Wednesday April 20) afternoon. However, a computer system failure over the weekend led to some people experiencing technical issues while reviewing the Schedule of Works, or uploading supporting documents. These issues have now been resolved.
As the usual maintenance routine means Rural Payments and Services will be unavailable overnight tonight (Thursday), farmers and land managers have been given until Monday to submit their AECS applications.
The deadline for submitting supporting documents remains unchanged at May 16, 2016.
Commenting on the announcement, NFU Scotland Chief executive Scott Walker said: "This welcome decision recognises the computer problems experienced by applicants last weekend and gives those looking to access this valuable pot of rural development funding an extra few days to complete their applications.
"However, we are disappointed that our request for an extension to the deadline for submitting supporting evidence for AECS applications has not been successful. That unfortunately means that the AECS evidence deadline of May 16 overlaps with the deadline of submitting SAF 2016 (Single Application Form) - a crucial date in the farming calendar for those looking to access support through the new CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) schemes.
"The Union remains convinced that this is a clash that should be avoided if quality AECS applications are to be encouraged.
"Longer term, NFUS has always supported a continuous application and approval process. Such an approach would avoid this annual single AECS application window clashing on an annual basis with SAF application. We believe Scottish Government should revert to the original concept of an on-going application process to avoid approval bottlenecks."
Market round-up
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 252 store heifers in Lockerbie on Tuesday to a top of 268.9p per kg and an average of 209.4p (+19.2p on the fortnight), while 218 store bullocks peaked at 270.3p and levelled at 213.5p (-2.7p).
Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 147 store heifers in Lanark on Tuesday to a top of £1130 per head and 228.5p per kg to average £835.52 and 193.2p (-12.1p), while 307 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1190 and 245.5p to level at £839.77 and 208.1p (-15.3p). Forty-nine store, B&W bullocks averaged £643.70 and 135.2p (-10p).
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