FARMING chiefs have welcomed a loans scheme for the industry on the back of months of “extreme weather”.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has announced advances on support payments in response to challenging conditions.

The National Basic Payment Support Scheme (NBPSS) will allow those eligible to claim early access to their annual EU payment, which are usually made between December and June.

Under the NBPSS, claimants will be able to access up to 90% of this from October.

Ewing said some had “really suffered” due to “unprecedented severe weather” since January.

This has included severe rainfall, flooding, storms, heavy snows and scorching temperatures.

The announcement was made at Gryffe Wraes Farm in Renfrewshire, which is farmed by Willie Harper, regional chair of the National Farmers Union Scotalnd (NFU Scotland). Harper said he was “lucky” compared to some, but added: “News that the loan scheme money will come through in October will help address that hole in my cash flow.”

The funding will be available on an opt-in basis, with individual loan offers expected to be sent to farmers from early September.

A similar scheme enacted in 2017 saw more than £317 million delivered to in excess of 13,500 farmers.

Andrew McCornick, president of NFU Scotland, said crops and livestock operations had been affected by this year’s conditions, with money “tight” for many as a result.

He said the Scottish Government move would relieve “stress” and “mental anguish”.

McCornick stated: “The past 12 months have been very difficult for farmers across the whole of Scotland. Record rainfall in parts, the ‘Beast from the East’ and the driest spell for 40 years has put incredible pressure on farmers and crofters in terms of keeping their businesses going.

“This summer’s drought has already seen farmers and crofters forced to start using the precious winter fodder now to keep cattle and sheep going.

“Scotland’s spring barley harvest is also getting underway. While the prospects for quality are good, the drought will have put many fields under stress and is likely to have impacted on yields of both barley and straw.

“The upshot is a significant shortage of fodder as the year goes on with farmers and crofters all urged to plan ahead now, consider feed and bedding alternatives for their stock and, where possible collaborate with neighbours and suppliers to secure your requirements.”

NFU Scotland has also asked Ewing to press the European Commission to ease regulations to help members recover after a “hugely challenging” period.

Ewing said he is exploring other options to aid the sector, stating: “Farmers are the backbone of Scotland’s rural economy, and we understand that many of them have really suffered this year due to the unprecedented severe weather experienced in 2018.

“The Scottish Government is of course committed to supporting our farmers, and have responded by taking decisive action to make this extra funding stream available.

“We will be issuing loan offers shortly, providing a much-needed cash injection for those feeling the effects of increased prices for feed and fodder, the impact of restraints on irrigating their land, and in some cases resorting to selling livestock earlier than planned to preserve fodder for breeding stocks.

“I have also asked the Agriculture Weather Advisory Panel to consider what other actions may be helpful in response to the recent dry weather. The panel met last week and will be issuing advice, focused on the continuing need for farmers to plan ahead and collaborate effectively across the industry.”

Scottish Labour’s rural economy spokesman Colin Smyth said Ewing’s announcement should have come earlier.

He commented: “This long overdue announcement is welcome but doesn’t go far enough.

“Farmers have been warning of a crisis for months now, with grass growth at a standstill and hay and silage crops in some cases just half the normal level.

“The shortages and spiralling prices for feed is hitting all sectors and both the Scottish and UK governments have to step up and do more.”