Thanks to SCF’s consistent efforts, the Scottish Government finally has made a concession in relation to the 410-day calving interval condition on the Scottish Sucker Beef Support Scheme (SSBS).
At today’s opening day of this year’s Royal Highland Show, Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, has announced that, subject to legislation, from 2026 any business claiming 10 calves or less in the scheme year will receive a derogation from the new calving-interval condition. This concession comes after SCF has fought hard for it to be considered, given the various challenges crofters are facing when it comes to complying with the condition that makes calves only eligible for support when being born no more than 410 days since the last time their mother has given birth.
Evidence by SRUC Professor Steven Thomson has shown that small herds will be worse off under the new scheme than previously, and crofters have variously reported difficulties meeting the target due to circumstances outwith their control such as issues around bull hire and ferry disruptions, as well as animal welfare concerns.
SCF Chair Jonathan Hedges said: “We are relieved that the Scottish government has finally come to acknowledge the huge damage this policy can do to individual crofters and the threat it poses to crofting as a whole.” Mr. Hedges continued: “We will continue to try and work constructively with government to ensure that crofters’ voices are being heard. The concessions made today demonstrates that the lobbying efforts of SCF can actually make a real difference for crofters.”
Another announcement made by the Cabinet Secretary today relates to the opening of a new capital fund – the Future Farming Investment Fund (FFIF). Crofters can access up to £5000 for items not currently covered by CAGS that can help make their businesses more sustainable, financially or environmentally. SCF welcomes that priority will be given to small producers and new entrants for this scheme.
