Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate
friendly farming.
Farmers and crofters will benefit from £20 million additional
capital support this year and £26 million next year, First
Minister has confirmed.
Speaking at the NFU Scotland annual conference he outlined how at
least £14 million of the funding will deliver a Future Farming
Investment Scheme, providing flexible capital grants.
Other significant announcements included:
- an additional £7 million in 2025 through the Agri-environment
climate scheme (AECS) to undertake activities supporting nature,
climate and biodiversity alongside food production
- hosting a new entrant's summit bringing key individuals
together to find solutions to attract more people into farming
- a three year programme of national land Lidar laser scanning
to accurately map terrain
- committing £75,000 to RSABI (founded as the Royal Scottish
Agricultural Benevolent Institution) to provide mental health
support for farmers and crofters
- further details of how the routemap to implementing a new
framework of agriculture support will work
- a commitment to delivering ultra-high frequency (UHF)
electronic identification for cows to improve traceability
Mr Swinney said:
“I want to see a farming sector that is equipped and ready to
meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.
That is why at least £14 million will be delivered through our
Future Farming Investment Scheme.
“We will work at pace to consult with industry to ensure the
capital grant scheme guidance and priorities work for a range of
businesses and that the application processes are simple and
straightforward. They will not be prescriptive, as long as the
funds are used to drive efficiency or support nature and climate
friendly farming your bid will be valid and could receive
support.
“A flourishing Scotland means a flourishing rural Scotland. And
for rural Scotland to thrive, farming must thrive. I look forward
to working with the industry – building on the constructive
working relationships we have with NFU Scotland to show that this
government is committed to continuing to support our nation's
farmers.”
