February 20, 2023

Scotland, UK branch of veterinary organisation supports new farm payment scheme

THE British Veterinary Association's (BVA) Scottish branch has welcomed a new farm payment scheme announced by Scotland, UK Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, as part of the Scottish government's post-Brexit future framework for sustainable agriculture.

Under the scheme, farmers and crofters who rear cattle and sheep will be able to claim a £250 (US$301) payment for veterinary health and welfare interventions from this summer.

Responding to the announcement, BVA Scottish branch president Romain Pizzi said: "The Scottish government's new farm payment scheme will support better livestock health and welfare in Scotland and provide welcome opportunities for vets to further engage with farmers and crofters rearing sheep and cattle.

"BVA would like to see the vet-farmer relationship embedded as the cornerstone in Scotland's permanent future farming policy to help deliver improved animal health and welfare, productivity and sustainability goals."

- The Scottish Farmer