Grant proposals have been sent out offering a share of £21.4
million to invest in nature and climate friendly farming.
The Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) was developed in
partnership with a range of stakeholders including the Food and
Agriculture Stakeholders' Taskforce (FAST) Group, NFU Scotland
and the Scottish Crofting Federation, to ensure it meets the
needs of farmers and crofters.
With more than 7,500 applications received the demand was
unprecedented for a Scottish Government agricultural support
scheme, leading to an increase in the budget of over 50% to £21.4
million from an original allocation of £14 million.
Today 1,672 applicants received offers worth £21,390,551.
Support is offered for steps to enhance biodiversity, cut
greenhouse gas emissions, improve efficiency and strengthen
resilience to climate change, such as:
- new tree and hedge planting
- improved grazing and habitat management
- efficient livestock feeding and handling
- precision farming equipment
- water efficiency, and
- regenerative farming practices.
Minister for Agriculture said:
“The Future Farming Investment Scheme is about enabling practical
action on farms and crofts. From new livestock handling systems
to precision equipment and habitat creation, this support will
help farmers and crofters to improve efficiency, reduce
emissions, and protect the environment.
“I want to thank the industry for the remarkable level of
interest shown for this scheme. While not every application could
be supported, I would encourage those who were unsuccessful to
continue developing their plans.
“The lessons we have learned from this round will also help us
shape the design of future support models, working in close
partnership with the sector.”
Background
The FFIS will provide priority support in a number of areas,
including for new entrants, and young farmers, small farms and
tenants. Applicants have 14 days to accept the terms of the award
offer, with payments to be made within 30 days. Further details
of confirmed grant awards will be made available following that
process.
The FFIS sits alongside more than £500 million in direct support
provided annually to farmers and crofters.
The scheme was designed to make investment as accessible as
possible, remove cashflow barriers and enables farmers and
crofters to put plans into action quickly, with grants of up to
100% of eligible costs and payments made upfront.
