The SNP are failing our farmers, writes Association Chairman Tim Jackson in today's Scottish Daily Mail.
"Nicola Sturgeon is forever saying that she wants the SNP to be judged on its record.
"In the case of the farming sector, the Scottish Government's handling of this year's support payments under the new basic payment scheme (BPS) means that hard-pressed farmers face a lottery in which they still do not know what level of payment they will receive or when.
"Despite the Scottish Government investing £180 million of taxpayers money in a flawed computer system - and after repeated requests for over a year as to when farmers can expect delivery and details of the value of their overdue payments - the administration's lack of clarity and accountability has led to it failing to ensure that payments will arrive at the traditional time in December.
"Instead, payments will be made in two installments. Only a quarter of farmers in Scotland will receive their first of these by the end of December. The majority will receive their 70 per cent part-payment by the end of January and some will not receive their first BPS money until the end of March.
"At a time when farming is experiencing very difficult economic times, not helped by low commodity prices, many farmers will face challenges to their cashflows and be at the mercy of their banks. Other parts of the UK and other EU states have coped with the BPS scheme but Scotland has not. Farmers deserve better."