McAlpine welcomes payments for sheep farmers

MSP Joan McAlpine has welcomed confirmation that payments worth £7 million to sheep producers across Scotland will arrive in farmer’s bank accounts in the coming weeks.   The Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme is a direct support scheme targeted at sheep production on the poorest quality land.   Commenting, Ms McAlpine said:   “This is welcome news for sheep farmers in Dumfries and Galloway. The region has the second highest percentage of sheep in Scotland so this support is very important economically.   “Payments of £60 per animal will be made at an earlier point than last year to help farmers’ cash flow, while also helping to support farmers who are producing the quality meat products for which our region is renowned. “ Background Producer must have homebred ewe hoggs, no more than 200 hectares of Payment Region 1 land, and 80 per cent of their holding must consist of land in Payment Region 3. The payment rate fluctuates each year based on the eligible animals applied for under the scheme.