22/02/2010 - Grant boost for Scottish farmers
The cost of damage sustained by Scottish farmers in the severe winter weather is to be eased by a £3 million Government handout, it has been announced.
Grants of up to £6,000 to repair snow-damaged outbuildings will be available to farmers, while rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead has urged planning authorities to deal swiftly with applications to repair the buildings.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the National Farmers Union Scotland in St Andrews, Mr Lochhead said: "Agriculture has a fundamental role to play in Scotland's future. That is why this Government is fully committed to supporting the industry and why we have taken action to ensure the sector can develop from strength to strength."
The funds to repair damaged outbuildings is part of a programme of Government spending on the farming industry worth more than £5 million.
A total of £250,000 will be spent on educating children about the link between farming and the food on their plates, while £395,000 has been allocated to boost the raspberry industry and more than £1.4 million earmarked to help farms take on skilled staff through modern apprenticeships.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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