Alarm bells ringing over slow SAF submissions
12 May 2021 |
The SAF deadline is one of the most important dates in the Scottish farming calendar
The number of Scottish farmers who have filled out their Single Application Form (SAF) ahead of the window closing next week is significantly lower than at this time last year.
The latest figures from Scottish government suggest that, as at 9 May, the number of SAFs submitted was 20 percent lower than at the same date in 2020.
Figures show that almost 4,000 SAFs are yet to be started, raising the potential for a high number being submitted at the last minute which could put considerable pressure on the system.
NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy: “We need farmers and crofters to crack on with applications this year . Scottish farmers and crofters have been urged to complete their important Single Application Form ahead of the imminent May 17 deadline NFU Scotland this week sounded the alarm as it became apparent that the number of eligible applicants who have already completed their forms is lower than at this time last year. Latest figures from Scottish Government suggest that, as of Sunday May 9, the number of SAFs submitted was 20% down on the same date in 2020. ScotGov also indicated that half of the SAF forms submitted are still in a ‘draft’ state so, although commenced, have yet to be completed.
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