19 January 2010

2 minute read

Europe

Findings from the survey will help inform the decisions taken by a new short-life working group set up by the Scottish Government to consider how those affected can be helped. The working group will be made up of industry bodies including NFUS, technical experts and insurers and will be chaired by Scotland's Chief Agricultural Officer Drew Sloan.

Copies of the questionnaire are available from the Scottish Government and NFU Scotland websites, local Scottish Government area offices, NFU Scotland group secretaries and NFUS regional managers. These should be returned to local SGRPID offices by Monday, 25 January. Initial findings will be prepared by Thursday, 28 January.

NFU Scotland Chief Executive, James Withers said: “From the feedback we have received from members and staff, a significant number of farm and horticultural buildings were brought down or substantially damaged by the sheer volume of snow that fell during late December and early January.

“Having important farm buildings out of commission for any length of time has huge implications for any business affected and we welcome the commitment of the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, to assess the extent of the problem and look at ways of assisting those hit.

“The survey looks at the extent of damage to buildings and contents, the implications for livestock or crops and the farm’s position with regards to insurance. It also asks if any interim measures have had to put in place to cope with stock or crops and asks if there are plans to replace or repair the damaged site.

“Information gleaned from this survey will help inform the working group and we would urged all farmers with buildings damaged as a result of the recent snow to complete the survey in the next week and send it to their local SGRPID area office.”

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