NFU Scotland has met Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) Secretary of State Owen Paterson, urging the Minister to keep playing his part in identifying all options available to Scotland with regard to introducing new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) rules in 2015.
The meeting in Edinburgh yesterday with NFUS President Nigel Miller, CEO Scott Walker and Parliamentary Officer Clare Slipper was part of meetings with the Secretary of State and his officials, allowing NFUS to outline CAP priorities for Scotland.
One of the biggest challenges Scotland faces with regards to future CAP implementation is delivering a flat rate payment across its huge rough grazing region (RGR) - around 2.8million hectares of RGR are currently included in Scottish claims.
NFUS had supported linking or "coupling" part of the proposed pot of funding for the RGR to livestock to ensure active production is better recognised.
In a turbulent few weeks, that option was initially accepted at European level, then rejected at the start of April. As a result of lobbying European officials, there is now fresh impetus behind work to identify solutions to CAP delivery in the RGR that can avoid damaging redistribution of funds.
The Union also hopes to work with the Minister on tackling the impact the three-crop rule requirement in the CAP package could wreak on Scotland's arable sector.
Mr Miller said: "Our recent meetings with European Commission officials, backed by the briefing material we have since provided, have brought recognition that delivery of support within our RGR presents a massive challenge and that focussing limited funds on active producers is desirable.
"Time for decisions on CAP delivery in Scotland is pressing, but avoiding extreme redistribution of funds within the RGR remains an absolute priority for NFUS and the Scottish industry."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 621 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £102 per head and 242.5p per kg to average 212p (+4.8p on the week), while 6 prime lambs peaked at £108 and averaged £105.
The 112 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £137 for Texels and £78 for Blackfaces.The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 28 prime heifers in Dumfries yesterday to a top of 230.5p per kg and an average of 214.7p.
There were 57 cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 131.4p and dairy cows levelled at 108.3p.
The firm also sold 442 prime hoggs to a top of £105 and 233p to average 204.6p (-5.8p), while 15 prime lambs peaked at £88 and 215p to level at 211.1p.
The 293 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £115.50 for Texels and average £81.75 (-£8.43), and light ewes peaked at £94.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £55.01 (-£6.64).
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