George Lyon, Liberal Democrat MEP for Scotland, has welcomed a report published by the UK Government on future support for Less Favoured Areas (LFA) that calls for field capacity criteria to be included in the new scheme.

Mr Lyon has previously proposed changes that would better reflect the handicaps faced by Scottish farmers including distance from markets and high levels of rainfall.

Commenting, Mr Lyon said:

“I am deeply concerned about how the new LFA map for Scotland appears using the criteria set by the Commission. If it is allowed to go ahead as is then we will see a drastic watering down of support to the areas that most need it.

“I have already called on the Commission to include two extra criteria so I welcome the report from the UK Government which adds further pressure on the Commission for action.

“It is vital that we target the money available at the areas that need it most.”