²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Scottish agricultural support payments held up by 'blu tack and sticky tape'

Jim Walker, chair of the Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said the Scottish Government's system for supporting farmers was ‘not fit for purpose' and that a decline in cattle numbers had placed a 'burden' on farmers

clock • 5 min read
Jim Walker, chair at Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said: "The computer system is knackered and has been knackered for years. It has been held up by blue tack and sticky tape for years. It is a significant problem. Can anyone on this committee tell me any Government agency that has worked with zero inflation, zero increases in real-terms spending over the last 25 years like agriculture has? Agriculture and support payments are still in the dark ages because we have an illusion that we will be back in Europe again."
Image:

Jim Walker, chair at Suckler Beef Climate Group Programme Board, said: "The computer system is knackered and has been knackered for years. It has been held up by blue tack and sticky tape for years. It is a significant problem. Can anyone on this committee tell me any Government agency that has worked with zero inflation, zero increases in real-terms spending over the last 25 years like agriculture has? Agriculture and support payments are still in the dark ages because we have an illusion that we will be back in Europe again."

Agricultural support systems in Scotland have been criticised for being 'outdated and ineffective' in helping farmers deliver for food production, the climate emergency and nature recovery. During a...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

NEW CLAYDON 7.5M HARROW

£±Ê°¿´¡

NEW CLAYDON MARKER ARM KIT K-M3E-N01

£±Ê°¿´¡

NEW CLAYDON MISC DRILL ACCS

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Politics

Gov bans personal meat imports to UK amid foot-and-mouth rise in Europe

Gov bans personal meat imports to UK amid foot-and-mouth rise in Europe

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said new restrictions could protect British farmers from the threat posed by foot-and-mouth disease in mainland Europe

clock 14 April 2025 • 4 min read
 Scottish Government must be 'more proactive' in co-designing future agricultural support

Scottish Government must be 'more proactive' in co-designing future agricultural support

Chair of Food and Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce (FAST), Neil Wilson said the funding needs to be seen to be an investment into the industry and rural economy

Rachael Brown
clock 14 April 2025 • 3 min read
Experts not ruling out further changes to Inheritance Tax

Experts not ruling out further changes to Inheritance Tax

Extending potentially exempt transfers (PETs) to a longer period than the current seven-year gifting rule, and a possible wealth or land tax cannot be completely ruled out

Rachael Brown
clock 14 April 2025 • 4 min read