NFU Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government's long-awaited confirmation that the next round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) will open for applications, but says the months-long delay has left farmers and crofters facing unnecessary uncertainty and raises fresh questions about how the scheme will be delivered.
The announcement confirms that £14.25 million will be made available through the next round of the scheme, with grants of up to £20,000 available to support investments in areas such as soil health, livestock infrastructure and environmental improvements.
NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:
"It's encouraging to see the Scottish Government confirm both the timing and funding for the next round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme. This announcement has been many months in the making, and farmers and crofters have been waiting far too long for the certainty they need to plan investment in their businesses.
"The overwhelming demand for the first round of FFIS demonstrated just how committed Scotland's farmers and crofters are to investing in more productive, efficient and sustainable businesses. It also demonstrated that demand significantly exceeded the funding available.
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"NFU Scotland successfully secured additional funding for the scheme and has consistently called for confirmation of when the next round would open. We also gathered detailed feedback from members following the first round and put forward clear recommendations on how the scheme could be improved.
"It's essential that lessons have been learned from last year's scheme. Clear guidance, a straightforward application process and transparency around how funding is awarded will be critical to ensuring applicants have confidence in the system and understand what is required from the outset.
"Today's announcement answers one important question, but others remain. Farmers and crofters now need clarity on when applications will open, how quickly they will be assessed and when successful applicants will be able to begin investing. It is essential there is sufficient time for businesses to complete purchases without unnecessary pressure.
"While today's announcement is welcome, demand for capital investment continues to outstrip the funding available. If Scottish agriculture is expected to deliver on food production, climate action, biodiversity and thriving rural communities, then long-term investment must match those ambitions.
"This scheme is an important part of that journey, but it cannot be viewed in isolation. Farmers and crofters need confidence that capital investment will continue as part of a wider programme that supports profitable, resilient and sustainable agricultural businesses.”
NFU Scotland will study the detailed scheme guidance once published and continue to engage with the Scottish Government to ensure the scheme is delivered in a way that gives farmers and crofters the confidence to invest.
The Union encourages members to familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria when they are published ahead of the scheme opening this winter.