The European Commission confirmed yesterday that Member States will be allowed to extend the deadline for the Single Application Form (SAF) by one month until Monday, June 15th.
Deadlines to submit aid applications are fixed by Member States and, under current rules, shall not be later than May 15th. The extension, would apply for 2015 only and will be voluntary. The move was welcomed by NFU Scotland who plan to discuss it today (Friday) with Scottish Government officials.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan said: "I have proposed to allow Member States to extend the deadline so that farmers do not suffer the consequences of delays on the part of administrations, which are faced with the challenge of the first year of implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy. Member States can now take up this option, which should also help avoid penalties for late applications from recipients.
"It goes without saying that Member States who would decide to postpone the final date for submission of aid application should ensure that their administration and control system allow safeguarding sound financial management."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 787 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 299.5p per kg and an average of 226.2p (-2p on the week), while 1268 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 290.6p and levelled at 234.2p (-1.1p). Sixty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to 195.5p and averaged 173.2p (+0.7p).
In the rough ring 105 cows averaged 125.4p.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1394 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £100 per head and 214.3p per kg to average 192.1p (-2.3p). Included in that overall average were 759 Blackfaces that peaked at £94 and 204p to level at 191.5p.
A small show of 142 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £146 for Texels and £94 for Blackfaces.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 11 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 229.5p and an average of 213.1p. while a prime bullock fetched 230.5p
There were 62 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 129.4p and dairy cows levelled at 101.3p.
The firm also sold 870 prime hoggs to a top of £120 and 225p to average 200.5p (+2.3p).
The 294 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £135 for Texels and average £97.45 (-£9.99), while light ewes peaked at £99 for Blackfaces and levelled at £58.16 (+£5.20).
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