Farmers and crofters can now submit this year’s Single Application form until midnight on 15 May.

“As with last year, I would encourage everyone who wishes to do so to submit their applications online as soon as possible. Doing so they will benefit from pre-submission validation checks on their application,” said Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

“With Brexit continuing to present the biggest threat to the industry, I would remind farmers that the farm payment element of the Common Agricultural Policy is guaranteed at current levels until 2021, offering a degree of certainty and stability during these uncertain times. In the meantime, I continue to push the UK government for confirmation that Pillar II funding is included under the funding guarantee – something we have yet to receive.”