£14m scheme offering grants to farmers to open next month

A £14 million scheme to provide grants to farmers will open next month, the Rural Affairs Secretary has said.

The programme – opening for applicants on July 14 – will provide capital funding for those new to agriculture, as well as young farmers, those with small operations and tenant farmers.

The Future Farming Investment Scheme will provide cash for green projects and those which will increase efficiency, with up to £20,000 available – potentially as a 100% grant.

The announcement, from Mairi Gougeon, came on the first day of the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.

“Scotland invests more than £600 million a year in agriculture through reformed direct payments, Voluntary Coupled Support and Less Favoured Area Support Scheme – all in stark contrast to elsewhere in the UK.

“I am pleased to be able to confirm that, having worked with so many partners in its development, the Future Farming Investment Scheme will open on July 14.

“We do not have all the powers to protect the Scottish agricultural industry, but where we do, we have shown that long-term policy made in Scotland for Scotland can serve this great industry well.”

The announcement comes as Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called for more support for the sector.

“There is so much uncertainty facing Scottish agriculture amid the family farm tax, trade barriers, falling income and the squeeze placed on farmers by multinational supermarkets,” he said after visiting the Royal Highland Show on Thursday.

He added: “Throughout the Royal Highland Show, Liberal Democrats will be listening to farmers and producers, understanding the challenges they face and working out the best way forward.

“Our farmers are the best in the world. It’s time both our governments recognised their invaluable contributions and backed a thriving future for Scottish agriculture.”