Scots farmers to receive £46m in capital grants

Farmers and crofters across Scotland are set to benefit from a £20m boost in capital support this year, with a further £26m allocated for next year, first minister John Swinney confirmed during his address at the NFU Scotland annual conference.

A key component of this funding will be the Future Farming Investment Scheme, with at least £14m dedicated to providing flexible capital grants.

The Scottish government says these grants will aim to improve farming efficiency while supporting nature and climate-friendly practices.

See also: Andrew Connon elected new president of NFU Scotland

Additional measures outlined at the conference include:

• A £7m boost in 2025 for the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme to support activities focused on nature, climate and biodiversity alongside food production
• A new entrants summit to bring key individuals together and explore ways to attract more people into farming
• A three-year national land scanning programme to map terrain with precision using lidar technology
• A commitment of £75,000 to the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi), a charity offering mental health support for farmers and crofters
• Further details on the route map to implement a new framework for agriculture support
• A commitment to introduce ultra-high frequency electronic identification for cows to improve traceability.

Mr Swinney noted that the funding will be flexible and accessible, ensuring the application process remains simple.

“The capital grant scheme will not be prescriptive. As long as the funds are used to drive efficiency or support nature-friendly farming, your bid will be valid,” Mr Swinney said.

The Scottish government will fund these schemes by reinstating £61m in “lost” funds previously earmarked for agriculture. Of that, £16m has already been spent.

Keep it simple

NFUS vice-president Robert Neill urged the Scottish government to keep the process as straightforward as possible.

“Farmers are fed up with third parties doing all the work behind the scenes,” Mr Neill said, calling for a simpler application process.

Responding to this, Cabinet secretary Mairi Gougeon assured that the government was committed to administering the scheme swiftly.

“It’s in your best interests and ours to allow farmers to apply for it as soon as possible,” she said.