Lib Dems demand help for hill farmers

10.46.23am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 18th Sep 2008

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has demanded the Scottish Government take urgent action to help farmers with short-term cash flow problems.

Liberal Democrats are calling for Less Favoured Area Support payments for 2008 to be issued before the end of October, without compromising the delivery of Single Farm Payments.

Commenting ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament on hill farming, Mr McArthur said:

“Spiralling feed, fuel and fertiliser costs mean that many hill farmers are experiencing serious short-term cash flow problems. Many are selling off stock and effectively giving up on a future in the industry.

“That is why we are calling on the Scottish Government to alleviate this cash flow crisis by making Less Favoured Area Support payments for 2008 as soon as possible, ideally before the end of October. This will require Scottish Ministers committing the necessary resources to ensuring all appropriate checks are carried out. There is no reason, however, why this cannot be done without compromising the delivery of Single Farm Payments in December.

“Standing back and watching the exodus of livestock and people from our hills is not an option.”