NFU Scotland has secured a commitment from Scottish Government that rules associated with the Greening element of farm support will be changed.

In a letter to the Union, Scottish Government has confirmed that changes to the rule book will be made and farmers informed of the new requirements in due course and in time for 2018 scheme year.

The first change allows field drains in Ecological Focus Area (EFA) fallow land to be maintained providing certain conditions are met.

Under the current Scottish Government rules drainage work has not been permitted to be undertaken on fields declared as EFA fallow during the period 15 January to 15 July. From 2018, maintenance of drains on EFA fallow will be allowed up to 15 March annually with "further flexibility for exceptional circumstances such as exceptional rainfall and flooding in the remaining period". This is subject to a caveat that drainage "activities do not jeopardise the biodiversity objective of the EFA".

The second change is that farmers will be allowed to establish EFA fallow on land claimed the previous year as temporary grassland in year 5 (TGRS 5).

In 2015, land declared in Scotland on the previous year's Single Application Form as temporary grass (TGRS) years 1 through 5 could be claimed as EFA Fallow. For 2016 and 2017 only land declared as TGRS 1 to 4 could be claimed. This announcement changes the rules book back to how things were in 2015, giving greater flexibility.

NFUS President Andrew McCormick said: "We thank the Scottish Government for taking on board the arguments made by NFUS on these points. I firmly believe these common-sense improvements on Greening rules will still deliver on all the environmental and biodiversity requirements set by Greening, but give farmers greater flexibility on how they manage EFA Fallow land.

* Meanwhile, NFUS and rural-charity RSABI have joined forces to call on Scotland's farmers and crofters to reach out and seek help.

Those working and living in the rural community are being encouraged to post an easily-identifiable sticker with RSABI's confidential helpline number somewhere prominent on the farm or croft in the hope that someone will reach out and make the call in their time of need, whether that be for financial or emotional support.

Mags Granger, Welfare Manager at RSABI commented: "When you are having difficulties talking to someone is the starting point for support and help. We are here to listen, support and empower farmers and crofters to get the help they need, all in complete confidence.

The helpline telephone number - 0300 111 4166 - is open from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week