NFU Scotland has welcomed the Executive's plans to maintain a scheme to assist crofters with cattle quality improvement but is seeking a long-term commitment from government to the funding.  Following consultation with its crofting members, the Union has raised some questions over the proposed Crofters Cattle Quality Improvement Scheme (CCIS).

NFUS has welcomed the principle of a support scheme and the planned retention of a dedicated stud farm.  However, the Executive has indicated that the scheme could end as early as summer 2007.

Under the current CCIS proposals, support is available for both the hire and purchase of bulls.  NFUS has concerns that providing grants to purchase bulls without setting out minimum quality criteria could undermine the scheme. NFUS has also questioned the Executive's cost projections which are based on the scheme hiring out 200 bulls a year, a figure never achieved under the old scheme.

NFUS Vice President Bob Howat said:

"It is good news that we are finally moving towards a replacement scheme. The old Bull Hire Scheme demonstrated the clear animal health benefits and improvements in quality that this kind of support to crofting counties can deliver.

"I am concerned that the Executive's proposals state that the scheme could end as early as summer 2007.  We need a longer-term commitment.  I also have reservations about the move away from just a grant-to-hire system.  If support is to be provided to purchase bulls, these animals must meet the strict health standards of the hire bulls.  Even so, emphasis should be placed on the hire element of the scheme.

"The cost of hiring a bull is already higher than under the old scheme, but I think it could rise further because the Executive has been optimistic in its calculations. This factor, together with the possible scheme closure in 2007, could discourage crofters from entering the scheme."