Stevenson Backs Scottish Government on Incentivising CAP Futures Delivery

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP, Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the statement from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, Fergus Ewing, who outlined changes to bear down on costs and incentivise the CAP Futures system.

Mr Ewing explained that the Scottish Government expected to see savings of more than 10 per cent on the cost of the contractor in November. Furthermore, as a result of negotiations with the contractor, there will be a new penalty and service credit regime in place. This will incentivise timely delivery of the CAP Futures system and impose financial penalties where those timetables are not met.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

“This is a very positive statement from the Cabinet Secretary. It’s essential that the CAP Futures programme is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is critical to our farming communities and overall agricultural sector.

“With the changes resulting from these negotiations we will save money but also encourage commercial discipline in programme delivery. This gives the Scottish Government an important tool in enforcement – if the contractor fails on timely delivery, they will endure financial penalties.

“This is an essential step in ensuring the CAP Futures system is delivering consistently for farmers. Communities depend on the system being efficient and the Cabinet Secretary is committed to delivering that efficiency.”