Hill farmers and crofters can expect to receive 100% of their Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) grant next year, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

As revealed by the Farmers Journal two weeks ago, changes to the EU Common Agricultural Policy regulations meant that Scotland could avoid introducing 'parachute payments' while transferring to an Areas of Natural Constraint scheme.

More than 11,000 farmers and crofters will receive their full grant

The European Commission has postponed that change to 2019. More than 11,000 farmers and crofters receiving their full grant rather than a 2018 parachute payment worth 80% as was previously announced.It is worth over £60m to the rural economy each year.

It is worth over £60m to the rural economy each year

LFASS provides hill farmers and crofters in Scotland’s most fragile and remote areas essential income support to their farming business. LFASS, in total, is worth over £60m to the rural economy each year.

“With 85% of Scotland’s agricultural area classed as less favoured, future support for farmers and crofters is crucial to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of these remote areas," Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said on Thursday. "LFASS is vital for our rural economy and remote communities, so I am delighted to confirm that hill farmers and crofters can expect to receive 100% of their entitlement for 2018 LFASS – rather than the previously announced 80%."

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