Scottish Government provides relief for snow-hit farmers

It is cutting down on cross-compliance inspections and TB tests until the cold spell subsides.

Government officials confirmed on Monday (January 11) they will not be enforcing penalties where farmers are forced to spread slurry on frozen ground.

The Scottish Government has told Brussels it is allowing farmers within NVZs to spread before January 15, the end of the closed period, if there are no alternatives and if they have previous registered their lack of storage facilities. Farmers taking advantage of this must tell the local area office before spreading.

NFU Scotland said there has not been a problem with spreading outside of NVZs as SEPA have taken a ‘helpful, pragmatic approach’, although notification to SEPA is required before spreading.  

An extension to the derogation for feed and fuel deliveries, which ran out at midnight on Monday (January 11) night, had also been secured, NFUS said. The derogation for milk collection expires on Wednesday (January 13) night and will be reviewed before then.

Another change has seen the Rural Priorities scheme deadline pushed back to January 25.

During a teleconference call, NFUS and others highlighted the issue of farm buildings collapsing under the weight of snow.

In response to an NFUS suggestion, officials said they would investigate establishing a small group to assess the extent of damage and issues like the financial implications, longer term lack of shelter and planning problems.

The Scottish Government is also planning to contact the National Fallen Stock Company to assess their pressures and decide if a derogation for burial sould be sought, as NFUS have requested.

The weather outlook in Scotland is for a gradual, slow thaw with risk of isolated snow showers during the week.

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