Farmers can receive up to £1,250 in payments over two years to support a review of their flock or herd as part of a new animal health and welfare initiative launched by the Scottish government.
The payments, announced today (Tuesday, August 22), aim to help improve the health and welfare of cattle and sheep and help Scottish farmers consider health and welfare interventions that can improve performance.
In addition, the Scottish government said it is providing additional funding in 2023/24 to help increase the provision of veterinarians across Scotland.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Research shows healthy livestock produce less emissions, require less veterinary treatment and fewer antibiotics.
“Sheep and cattle make up a significant amount of the greenhouse gas emissions contributed by agriculture in Scotland.
“This new animal health and welfare payment is one of the first steps in this process and will reward farmers who take an active role in improving the health and welfare of the animals they keep.”
Gougeon said veterinarians play an important role in improving the heath and welfare of Scotland’s national herd, through tuberculin testing and the investigation of notifiable animal diseases.
“That’s why we’re providing more funding this year to help increase this important provision across the country,” she said.
Beneficiaries
Any farming or crofting business that has an active Business Reference Number, is Rural Payments and Services online registered and has a flock/herd number can undertake up to two interventions in each scheme year of the programme.
Each intervention will attract a standard payment of £250. With the first claim, an additional £250 is allocated to cover personal development, the Scottish government said.
The online claim platform has now been updated to allow claims for animal health and welfare to be submitted in addition to carbon audit and soil analysis support.
The process can be accessed through the Preparing for Sustainable Farming Guidance page on the rural payments website.
Veterinary surgeons in Scotland are now able to apply for funding to complete the relevant qualifications to become Official Veterinarians (OVs).
