Introduction
The Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) is an area based scheme provided for in EC Rural Development Regulations. The objectives are to:
- Ensure continued agricultural land use in order to contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
- Maintain the countryside; and
- Maintain and promote sustainable farming systems.
The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) was submitted to the EC in June 2007 and includes detailed proposals for LFASS covering the period 2007-2009.
The scheme has been very advantageous to nearly 13,000 applicants, contributing between £58-59m annually. The 2009 payment rates are not yet finalised.
The scheme is to be revised for the period 2010-2013 with more details to be published, as the scheme is approved.