Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) fund restored to £65m

On 9 December 2021, the Scottish Government confirmed in its Scottish Budget for 2022/23 that the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) 2021 would be restored to 100% of its funding and will be guaranteed to 2024.

This returns the scheme’s budget to £65m, an amount last seen in 2018, and will give a much-needed income boost for farmers and crofters in some of Scotland’s most remote and marginalised areas.

Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, commented:

“Farmers and crofters continue to ensure that the nation is fed, even in the challenging times we’ve experienced over the past few years between the pandemic and issues caused by Brexit. It’s important that we can continue to give them security by providing them with the cash flow they need to continue operating and this funding will help us do that.”

Of the total of £65m due to be paid out to more than 9,000 eligible farmers and crofters this year, £47m is expected to appear in bank accounts from next week.

You can read more about the LFASS here.

If you would like to discuss your circumstances or get our advice on your farm finances, please contact a member of our EQ Agriculture team via agriculture@eqaccountants.co.uk or call 01307 474274 or 01382 312100.