STOCON: Rural Payments and Services
What is this option?
This management option supports rural payments and services under the Scottish Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS).
What do I need to do?
you must remove the agreed number of sheep from the area subject to payment and your IACS business after you have signed and returned a contract and you have been advised that work can commence. Any sheep must be sold before 31 May in the first year of your contract.
you must maintain the reduced number from the area subject to payment and you must not exceed the Reduced Flock Size in your IACS business for the period of the contract
with your first claim, you must provide evidence (proof of sale and movement records) to show the sale or removal of breeding ewes over and above your normal sale of cast ewes, and that the sale or removal was within the required timeframe above
if receipts from sheep sales do not specify breed and/or age, you must provide this as supplementary information
Ancient Wood Pasture
Away Wintering Sheep
Beetlebanks
Cattle Management on Small Units (Introduction / Retention)
Chough Grazing Management
Chough Mown Grassland
Payment
Contact RPID for payment rates
How to apply
Applications are made through the Scottish Government's Rural Payments and Services portal. You must be registered with Rural Payments and Services (RP&S) to apply.
For application guidance and deadlines, visit the AECS scheme page on the Rural Payments and Services website.
Who can help
Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) - for application guidance and scheme administration
NatureScot - for environmental advice and endorsements where required
Farmwalk - for digital farm mapping and environmental compliance support
Contact your local RPID office for specific guidance on this option.
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.