The European Commission has offered further support to European farmers as they grapple with the difficulties of extreme droughts.

Farmers will be able to receive their direct and rural development payments in advance and will be granted more flexibility to use land that would normally not be used for production, in order to feed their animals.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, said: "I am very concerned about these prolonged climatic developments. I have been in contact with a number of ministers from affected countries to discuss the situation and get up-to-date assessments of its impact.

"The Commission, as always, is ready to support farmers affected by drought using a number of instruments, including higher advance payments, derogation from greening requirements and state aid. The Common Agricultural Policy already provides a safety net for farmers who have to deal with unpredictable events. I am encouraging all Member States to look into all possible actions and measures provided for in our legislation."

Two specific decisions have been taken to help farmers deal with droughts, in addition to support under the existing Common Agricultural Policy legislation:

Firstly, farmers will be able to receive up to 70 per cent of their direct payment and 85 per cent of payments under rural development already as of mid-October instead of waiting until December to improve their cash-flow situation,

Secondly, derogation from specific green rules - namely crop diversification and ecological focus area rules on land lying fallow, to allow such land to be used for the production of animal feed. Consideration is also being given to the adoption of further derogations to greening to allow farmers more flexibility to produce fodder.

In addition, farmers can notify their respective national authorities about cases of exceptional circumstances, and may be released by their Member States from their commitments under various schemes. For example, farmers will be allowed to use buffer strips for fodder.

Welcoming the move, NFU Scotland Vice President Martin Kennedy said: "As a matter of urgency, we are seeking further details from the European Commission and will be speaking with Scottish Government."

Market round-up

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 1915 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £140 per head or 304p to average 184p (+4.1p on the week).

A larger entry of 5152 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £162 for Texels and average £79.87 (-23p), while light/export-type ewes peaked at £82 for Blackfaces and levelled at £38.18 (+£5.22). Rams sold to £142 for a Texel and averaged £62.92.