THE European Union has ruled out Scotland front-loading payments made under the new Beef Calf Scheme that would have supported smaller beef producers, crofters and new entrants.
NFU Scotland (NFUS) successfully argued for additional voluntary coupled support to be made available to the beef sector under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) - with separate schemes for producers on the mainland and those in the islands.
Within those schemes, NFUS supported payments being front-loaded to the first 10 calves.
The Scottish Government CAP announcement in the summer suggested that payments would be front-loaded with the first 10 calves receiving double the payment rate, with the single rate paid on subsequent calves.
However, European rules around the new CAP stipulate that coupled schemes can only deliver a single payment rate.
As a result, Scotland will now operate two beef schemes.
It is estimated that, depending on the level of claims, the mainland scheme will pay a flat rate of about €100 (£79) per calf, while calves that qualify under the islands scheme will receive a flat rate of approximately €160 per calf.
NFUS chiefs have met with European Commission (EC) officials in Brussels to discuss the issue.
They hope the mid-term review of the new CAP could enable them to revisit the rules around the beef schemes. NFUS president Nigel Miller said: "Having met EC officials, it is clear the coupled schemes under the new regulations can only deliver a single payment rate.
"However, by channelling support into a small producers scheme and a standard scheme on both the mainland and the islands, enhanced payments can be made on the first 10 calves.
"The total budget would be unaffected but we recognise that the creation of four rather than two support schemes would add complexity and multiply up the audit levels."
MARKET ROUND-UP
MESSRS Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1,181 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £85 per head and 183.3 pence per kilogramme to average 153p (-4.2p on the week).
There were also 323 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £85 for Texels and £65.50 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 25 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 230.5p per kg and averaged 222.9p.
The bullocks on sale peaked at 243.5p and levelled at 221.9p.
There were 100 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 119.4p and dairy cows levelled at 70.1p. The firm also sold 1158 prime lambs to £80 and 183.5p to average 160.8p (+5.8p).
The 588 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £105 for Texels and average £70.59 (+£6.63).
Meanwhile, light ewes peaked at £77 for Cheviots and levelled at £44.17 (-13p).
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