Lib Dems win LFASS concession from SNP

11.02.08am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 19th Sep 2008

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP won a concession from the Scottish Government that it would bring forward LFASS payments by the end of the year.

Spiralling feed, fuel and fertiliser costs mean that many of Scotland’s most vulnerable farmers and crofters are experiencing serious short-term cash flow problems. Some are selling off breeding stock to pay bills and many more are effectively giving up on a future in the industry.

Commenting after a debate in the Scottish Parliament about hill farming, Mr McArthur said:

“Scotland’s hill and island farmers and crofters are suffering serious cash flow problems. Urgent action is needed.

“Under pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the Cabinet Secretary today agreed to bring forward LFASS payments from January to December. Welcome though this concession is, I agree with NFU Scotland that more can and should be done.

“Nothing the Cabinet Secretary said today convinced me that LFASS payments could not be made by the end of October without threatening the more valuable Single Farm Payments. Unlike the Tories, who are happy to let Ministers off the hook, Liberal Democrats will keep up the pressure for further concessions.

“The industry expects nothing less. Farmers and crofters require nothing less. The Government must deliver nothing less.”