A NEW loan scheme aims to provide certainty for farmers and crofters over the coming winter and seeks to inject up to £300 million into the rural economy, safeguarding jobs and local agricultural businesses.
Farmers and crofters will be able to apply for a loan of 80 per cent of their CAP basic payment and greening 2016 entitlement, up to a maximum of 150,000 euros and receive their loan payments in November.
Farmers will not have to wait until 2017 to receive payment of their CAP entitlement. Letters will be issued before the end of the month to farmers inviting them to apply. Everyone who applies by the deadline of October 12 will receive a loan of 80 per cent of their entitlement in November.