The Scottish Government have announced an additional £7.4 million for their Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS). This increase in funding brings the total from £14million to over £21.4million reflecting the high demand to invest in farm productivity and innovation across Scotland.
The FFIS was originally launched in July to offer flexible capital grants to support investments in efficiency, nature and climate friendly farming, with 7,584 application received by the deadline.
The Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, announced this increase to the fund at the NFU Scotland’s Autumn Conference at the Royal Highland Showground Pavilion, describing it as a “blueprint” for how the Scottish Government will continue to deliver practical support to farming businesses through investment in agritech solutions, climate and nature initiatives.
I believe this is a very welcome addition to vital funding for farmers across Scotland and reflects a respect for and commitment to farming from the Scottish Government to support delivery on future ambitions.
I am well aware of the challenges facing the farming community in the present economic climate, in my own constituency and across Scotland. The FFIS provision of priority support for new entrants, young farmers, small farms and tenants recognises these challenges and creates a positive environment for the growth of innovation in Scottish agriculture.
