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Public consultation launched. Proposals for a five year transition period for farming and rural support, should Scotland leave the EU, have been announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing. The proposals aim to provide stability, certainty and simplicity for farmers, crofters and land users, with the key measure of a transition period of between three and five years being one of the main recommendations of the Agriculture Champions. Read the full article | |
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Although generally considered a wet country, Scotland can be vulnerable to periods of dry weather, which can result in pressure upon the environment and water users in some areas. In addition, climate change is likely to bring uncertainty and, with a projected decrease in summer rainfall, may exert pressure in areas that have not yet experienced water scarcity It is vitally important that Scotland is prepared to deal with water scarcity both now and in the future and people work together to plan for and manage water scarcity events. Read the full article | |
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Our events kick-off in August with Are pigs for you? on Skye, Man or Machine in Dingwall, and in Darvel there will be smallholder training about selecting stock for the abattoir and setting up a profitable enterprise for new entrants. Later on for new entrants, Caithness hosts Grassland Matters and we end the month in Kirkwall, Planning for the Future. Read the full article | |
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After support from FAS to produce an Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP) about her 407-acre, all-grass stock farm - Daye Tucker, sought to build on the insight provided by commissioning an additional specialist advice report, focusing specifically on biodiversity and conservation. Now in the process of improving the pollen and nectar sources on the farm, as well as the diversity of wildlife within it, Daye reflects on the value of the specialist advice she received. Read the full article | |
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Payment deadline met. More than 95.24% of Common Agriculture Policy Pillar 1 payments have now been made Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has confirmed. This represents more than £387 million of Pillar 1 payments for the 2017 scheme year being successfully paid to around 17,150 eligible farmers and crofters ahead of the payment deadline. Read the full article | |
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Advancing gender equality. £250,000 has been awarded to help break down the day to day barriers which limit womens impact in the agriculture sector. The funding comes as the women in agriculture taskforce publishes its one year progress report. The report highlights the need to improve access for women to relevant training, increase the presence of women in leadership roles, and encourage rural bodies to advance gender equality. Some of the funding will be used to deliver appropriate training and develop a Charter for businesses and organisations to sign up to show their support for involving more women at all levels Read the full article | |
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2019 support scheme outlined. Hill farmers and crofters in Scotland's most remote and rural areas will continue to receive support under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) into 2019. Under plans outlined in the post-Brexit transition consultation, the intention is to continue with LFASS, paying at 80% of the current rates to provide stability and support to farmers and crofters. Read the full article | |
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