VITAL rural development support for farmers, including the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme, (LFASS ) will be protected and funding for agri-environment projects increased under proposals for the future of Scotland's farming budgets.
Plans to limit the transfer to 9.5% from the budget for payments made directly to farmers (Pillar One) to the budget for rural development (Pillar Two) have been outlined by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. The transfer, up to a maximum of 15% - known as flexibility - is permitted between both pillars under European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations and would apply from 2015 to 2020.
Farmers, environmental organisations and rural communities are being asked for their views on the proposed transfer rate by December 16 so the Scottish Government can meet the deadline for notifying Europe of its decision.
Mr Lochhead said he felt that limiting the transfer from Pillar One to 9.5% struck the best possible balance between providing a rural development budget that allows the Scottish Government to address its obligations and supporting priority areas of the agricultural sector.
"While subject to consultation, my proposals would see funding for agri-environment schemes increase by more than £10 million per year to more than £350m over the seven-year CAP period. I am also considering how we can ensure the next CAP includes measures to ensure greener farming practices," said Mr Lochhead.
"I intend to maintain essential support of £65.5m per year for LFASS, a total of £459m support through Pillar Two for our farmers and crofters on our hills, uplands and islands," he added.
l For more information visit www.scotland.gov.uk
Market round-up
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart held their Christmas show and sale in Dumfries on Wednesday. The championship was awarded to Mr Craik, Waterside for a Limousin bullock that scaled 570kg and sold for 360p per kg. The reserve rosette went to Mr Ewing, Drumbretton for a Limousin heifer weighing 610kg that went on to fetch 300p. There were 46 prime cattle forward in total that saw bullocks average 255.5p and heifers level at 234.5p.
There were also 77 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 118.4p and dairy cows levelled at 90.3p.
In the sheep ring 926 prime lambs sold to £82.50 per head and 191p per kg to average 167.1p.
The 482 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £103.50 for Texels and average £50.68, while light ewes peaked at £52.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £41.17.
United Auctions sold 465 store bullocks at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 298.1p and an average of 236.5p (+10.6p on the week), while 309 store heifers peaked at 272.5p and levelled at 218.3p (-4.9p).
In the rough ring 225 cast cows averaged 119.2p.
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