Edinburgh, 21 May 2025 – NFU Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, today brought together over 40 stakeholders for the landmark "Supporting the Next Generation of Scottish Farmers and Crofters" Summit. Held at the Pavillion , Royal Highland Centre, the event marked a crucial step forward in shaping the future of Scottish agriculture by focusing on three critical pillars: access to land, access to finance and investment in skills and training.
The Summit was opened by Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP, who reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for new entrants into the sector. Their support included announcements related to the Practical Training Fund and the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship Programme, both designed to support a more diverse and skilled agricultural workforce.
“This is about investing in the people who will grow Scotland’s food, steward our landscapes, and lead innovation in rural business,” said NFUS Vice President Duncan Macalister. “We need clear, immediate action, particularly on land access and finance, to turn government ambition into reality for new entrants.”
NFU Scotland used the platform to call for:
- An urgent opening of the Future Farming Investment Scheme to support capital investment for new entrants;
- Progress on a Government-backed Loan Scheme, currently under research by the Scottish Government;
- More public land to be made available to support new entrants, including the creation of more Starter Farms
- Amendments to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill to protect confidence in the let land sector.
The Summit also showcased the growing momentum behind talent development in farming, with stakeholders endorsing NFUS proposals to build a pipeline of leadership through training, mentorship and strategic funding.
“Half of our current agricultural workforce is over 50. If we want to future-proof farming in Scotland, we must act now,” said Jillian Kennedy, Chair of Scottish Association of Young Farmer’s Club. “This Summit must be the starting point for long-term collaboration and real progress.”
NFU Scotland and the Scottish Government agreed to reconvene the group within six months to review progress on today’s outcomes and ensure accountability across the sector.
Notes to editors:
- Photo: Front row L-R: NFUS President & Vice-President pictured with Jim Fairlie MSP, SAYFC representatives, FONE chair and NFUS CEO
- The Practical Training Fund offers up to £500 per applicant for training focused on emissions reduction, biodiversity and safety. 57 applicants have already been approved in a soft launch.
- The Land-based Pre-apprenticeship Programme is backed by £1.8m over the next three years and aims to support hundreds of young people into rural employment. .
- The Summit is part of NFUS’s broader mission to secure a profitable and sustainable future for Scottish agriculture.
- Attendees included representatives from NFU Scotland Next Generation Committee, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, major Banks, large landowners, skills and training stakeholders.
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Contact Carly Ross on 07860 642826