The National Sheep Association (NSA) Scotland has called upon the government to make sure future support schemes are fit for purpose and safeguard the viability of those farming in disadvantaged areas in a recent consultation response.

Submitting its views on The Rural Development (Continuation of Operation) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulation 2024 consultation to the Rural Affairs and Islands (RAI) committee, NSA Scotland also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement to ensure future farming schemes are reaching those in most need.

NSA Scotland coordinator Grace Reid says: “Under the current circumstances and uncertainty regarding future farm support and scheme development, NSA Scotland believes current support should be extended and built upon and would welcome discussions surrounding future schemes such as Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) and Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).”

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For some time NSA Scotland, as well as others in the industry, has called for a redesign of LFASS that could help to ensure disadvantaged area support in the future for those at all stages of their active farming or crofting career, including the next generation.

Responding to the consultation NSA Scotland has stated that it believes the current LFASS budget of £65m should be at least maintained and redistributed to those who are farming livestock in disadvantaged areas and depend on crucial financial support for their viability.

The consultation response provided opportunity for NSA Scotland to reiterate the socio-economic and environmental value of active farming and crofting on poorer land or in remoter locations stating that ongoing support for livestock grazing systems in such areas is integral to its success.

NSA Scotland also called for the redesign of a new bespoke replacement scheme to those offered currently to be completed in a timely manner.

Ms Reid continues: “It is important that there is no time lag from any existing scheme and a replacement scheme can commence quickly to ensure agricultural businesses are not exposed to detrimental consequences as a direct result of changing policy.

“We are all acutely aware of the wide ranging external pressures facing the agricultural industry today. Factors such as inflation, climate change adaption, biodiversity loss, and an ageing workforce population have all been wreaking havoc on businesses and threaten their existence. We have already seen a reduction in the Scottish national sheep flock and beef herd in recent years, this needs to be halted wherever possible.

“It is therefore pivotal that any intended changes for the purpose of ensuring stability and continuity for farmers, crofters and land managers in the period from 2025 to 2030 by extending the period of operation of support for rural development should be undertaken to allow the continuation of support beyond 2024.”

A copy of the NSA Scotland consultation response can be found on the NSA Scotland website at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/nsa-scotland/news.