More than £7 million has been added to the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) budget following exceptionally high demand, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has confirmed.
The FFIS, launched in July, offers flexible capital grants to support on-farm investment in efficiency, nature, and climate-friendly farming. The scheme attracted 7584 applications by the deadline, prompting the Scottish Government to increase total funding from £14 million to £21.4 million.
Speaking at the NFU Scotland Autumn Conference, Ms Gougeon also confirmed new funding across a range of agricultural initiatives, including £554,000 for six projects through the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF), £249,000 to the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) to further develop the MyHerdStats platform, £500,000 for the Small Producers Pilot Scheme, up to £200,000 via the Small Producers Practical Training Fund, and £25,000 to Farmstrong Scotland to support its Social Wellbeing Project.
Ms Gougeon said the high level of engagement shows farmers’ willingness to innovate and invest in a sustainable future. She said: "The FFIS is a blueprint for how we will continue to deliver practical support to your businesses – whether through investments in agri-tech solutions or initiatives that address climate and nature challenges. It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together, and I am pleased to confirm its total funding will increase from £14 million to £21.4 million.
“Our Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund has provided more than £8.5 million over the last decade, bringing farmers, researchers, and rural businesses together – sharing knowledge, trialling new approaches, and ensuring innovation isn’t just talked about, but actually delivered on the ground. I look forward to seeing the results of this latest round of successful projects.”
The FFIS prioritises support for new entrants, young farmers, small farms, and tenants. Applications are currently being evaluated, with grant offers to be issued as soon as possible. Successful applicants will have 14 days to accept the award, and payments will be made within 30 days.
Source - https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
